
The first day of spring felt like the right moment to frame this piece.
This Blue Jay print by Carroll Sargent Tyson, Jr. (1918) carries a quiet sense of movement and natural balance. Prints like this often benefit from a framing approach that adds depth without taking away from the delicacy of the artwork.
At Underglass Custom Framing in San Francisco’s Castro District, we chose to float the full print on an off-white linen mat, lifting it slightly to create a soft shadow line. This allows the entire sheet to remain visible while adding dimension to the presentation.
To support the piece, we built a natural oak shadowbox frame with a visible wood grain that feels fitting for both the subject matter and the time period of the artwork. The warmth of the oak complements the tones in the print while keeping the overall look light and grounded.
For a clean and cohesive finish, we wrapped the interior walls of the shadowbox in the same linen fabric as the mat. This creates a seamless backdrop and gives the piece a more contemporary presence on the wall.
Museum-Quality Framing Materials
As with all of our custom framing in San Francisco, this piece was framed using conservation techniques and museum-quality materials.
We used:
- Hayaku hinges to safely support the artwork
- Optium Museum Acrylic for minimal reflection and clarity
- Scratch- and shatter-resistant glazing for added protection
- 99% UV protection to help preserve the colors over time
Framing in San Francisco’s Castro District
For over 40 years, Underglass has been a trusted frame shop in San Francisco, working with collectors, artists, and homeowners to design frames that respect the artwork and its context.
Whether it’s a vintage print, botanical study, photograph, or contemporary piece, the right frame should feel considered and lasting.
If you’re looking for custom picture framing in San Francisco, visit Underglass Custom Framing in the Castro. We’re open seven days a week and always happy to help you design the right frame for your artwork.

