Since 1983, P.H. Miller Studio has designed and crafted frames for the nation's finest private collections and public institutions. We offer a full range of frame styles at multiple price points. We pride ourselves in delivering museum quality without any pre-made commercial moldings. Everything is hand-crafted to order in our studio.
Located in historic Berryville, VA, a charming town about 75 miles outside Washington D.C, the studio is easily accessible from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia. We encourage visitors who watch us work while gilding, carving, or restoring antique pieces.
Peter Miller
Growing up in Connecticut, Peter began woodworking in his father's shop at a very early age. This instilled a foundation in, and passion for, woodworking and craftsmanship. As a young man, he worked in, and eventually owned, a small frame shop. Peter was not content with the quality of the commercial moldings available at the time and, thus, began his lifetime pursuit in mastering the art of frame making and water gilding. He joined the Society of Gilders, an organization dedicated the education and preservation
of the gilded arts. Through the society, Peter studied with many master gilders across America. His dedication showed, and the P.H. Miller Studio garnered a reputation for immaculate gilded surfaces and scrupulous attention to detail. He does not believe that "perfection" exists and constantly strives to push the limits of his craft.
Peter admires the American Craftsman frames of the early- and mid-20th century, and in particular, the unique style of frames from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
arts.
Christian Ferrante
Christian has worked at the P.H. Miller studio since 2017. Prior to working for Peter, he worked in the Frame Conservation Lab at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Christian came to work at the studio with the hopes of learning Peter's mastery technique and knowledge in traditional water gilding and frame-making.
Christian also loves wood finishing and decorative finishing. Frames often call for finishes other than
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gilding, such as faux marble, faux tortoise shell, or a high gloss French polish. These techniques are increasingly incorporated into P.H. Miller frames, and examples can be seen in our portfolio.
Christian's favorite frames are those from Italy and Spain, which inspire and influence his designs. However, Christian also is drawn to many ornate old European styles.