Cheryl Bosch has framed a lot of things. Prized family heirlooms. Souvenir jerseys. Autographed records. But a recent project may be a first.
(Photos courtesy Cheryl Bosch)
An interior designer recently brought Bosch a tuxedo worn by rock icon Freddie Mercury to be framed for a client, plus several prints owned by the late singer and frontman for the band Queen.
The tuxedo’s owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to hang the memorabilia in their home theater and commissioned the designer to find a shop that could do the work.
“We are the only locally owned frame shop left in Fredericksburg. So we get a lot of people that prefer that over the big box stores,” Bosch said.
“We’ve done a fireman’s uniform, a lot of military and police uniforms, tons of jerseys, Christening gowns, signed band posters. The tuxedo is probably a first for me.”
Frame Designs Gallery has been in its Hill Street location since 2017. Before that, Bosch and her mother were on College Avenue for over 30 years. This fall, the shop celebrates its 38th year.
Bosch’s mother, Dorothy “Dot” Meyers, died in 2021, just two days shy of her 88th birthday. Bosch and Meyers not only ran the business together, but they also lived together.
When the College Avenue location was sold, they weren’t sure they would continue Frame Designs.
“I told my mom at the time, ‘I don’t think we can do this,’ and she said, ‘yes, we can. We can do it and change what we don’t like,’” Bosch recalled. “I really miss her being here with me.”
Over the decades, the shop has seen a lot of interesting items come through the doors.
“We framed a doorknob collection for someone. And we had an original marionette of Howdy Doody from the 1950s. It was so cool. We put it in a shadow box with a little curtain on it.”
Each project presents its own challenge and also opportunities for a little creativity. The Mercury suit was very large and had to be handled with extreme care so the fabric wasn’t damaged, but it also wouldn’t slide down into the frame over time. Some prints get a custom bevel or hand-painted mat, such as the rainbow cat prints from the Mercury collection.
While the Mercury suit and artwork are getting a lot of attention, Bosch points out that everyday items are just as precious to those who own them.
“Everything is kind of special in its own way. Even, you know, our grandmother’s picture that her grandchild did … Those things are just as meaningful,” she said.
Bosch frames precious works of art, hosts classes and workshops, and exhibits a rotating gallery of works by local artists.
“We have what i call happy hours geared toward non-artists, where anyone can come in and make a project they can finish in one class,” she said.
She also offers framing classes and pour painting workshops.
Bosch says she’s always loved art and the store offers her the opportunity to create and reach a wide variety of people and mediums.
“I’ve always had an interest in framing, specifically though, because I feel that it’s the next nature step to completing your artwork,” she said.
