The picture below is of a painting done by my Grandfather in 1922-23 and it was in poor condition with a tear in the canvas. Because of the sentimental value, I was anxious about having it restored. When I met with Paul Williams, I felt comfortable that I had found the right person for the job. My Great Aunt had written a note on the back of the canvas and it could not be saved. Paul took a picture of her note and gave it to me. Paul’s workmanship is amazing and I highly recommend him and Buchanan and Kiguel.

B&K has restored and framed several antique maps and prints, enhancing each piece with a thoughtful approach, often through French matting. The customized approach and craftsmanship adds distinction without distracting from the underlying artwork. They have also framed modern pieces, including family photographic portraits, with equally good results.

Buchanan and Kriguel are simply the best in the business. They have created more than 30 masterpieces for me over the last 10 years. Their artistic creativity, amazing designs and outstanding customer service are simply amazing. I never leave the shoppe without a big smile on my face.

I received the best recommendation from the lovely folks there. The work they did was of great quality.

The staff at Buchanan and Kiguel treat everybody as a welcome guest. We have been bringing all sorts of artwork for matting and framing to Buchanan and Kiguel for over 20 years. We started because they had the reputation as the Premier studio for this type of work. Their work has done nothing but get better. Paul is the best, not only because he has a fine eye for bringing out the essence of your item, watercolor, print, pencil, or tapestry, but also he listens to your story. He asks the right questions regarding the spot where you intend to place the work, lighting, colors, and shape of the setting all play a role in his consultation regarding mats and frames. He has the touch you are seeking in maximizing your treasure’s place in your home or office. Their expertise includes repairs, cleaning and restoration. You can trust them with the finest art in your collection.

My first custom framing experience was in 1976, and over the intervening years, I have had excellent experiences with several framers -- truly excellent. Over the last year I have come to know Buchanan & Kiguel, and have had some 15 pieces framed to date -- including a wedding invitation, hand-colored Victorian prints, and most recently, a 175 year old piece of English needlework. These folks know what they are doing! I have been beyond pleased with all aspects of the experience -- selection, customer service, level of taste, timeliness of delivery and -- quite frankly -- cost. (It is no small task to find someone today who is able -- let alone willing -- to execute French matting. They do them beautifully here!) B&K is an exceptional custom framing gallery and I have no doubt is equipped to meet the expectations of the most discerning client.

This is the place to go for high-end framing. These folks know what they are doing, and they take the time to do it right. I recently had them do two jobs for me: (1) removing a nearly-unique Stephen Colbert poster from the foam board to which it was attached, conserving it, and framing it as a gift for my son, and (2) varnishing and framing a vintage (1892) oil painting that had been cleaned by another restorer. The frame that Paul and Cindy and I picked out at the Fairfax Street (Old Town Alexandria) location is amazing. It is real gold leaf, and with the custom label that was created and attached, it now occupies a place of honor in our home. The frame is so nicely done that you do not see any joints at the corners, as they have been covered by gold leaf. All of this was expensive, so do not go here if all you want is a standard framing job. These folks do museum-quality work. Sometimes you pay a premium price and do not get premium results. Buchanan & Kiguel gives you what you pay for.

Absolutely fantastic from beginning to end. Wonderful lady in the Orange location assisted me. I had two not very expensive, but very dear to me pictures I wanted framed. She did a great job helping me choose frames and matting. The framing was completely very promptly and I am thrilled with the result. The pictures occupy places of honor in my new house.

This is a team of first class professionals with exquisite taste. For several years and many framing and restoration projects I have relied on the shops beautiful resources and expertise. From repairing an antique jewel box to restoring several valued prints and photos from numerous framing projects to providing design counsel for a powder room and window treatments - always beautiful craftsmanship - all a result of Paul Williams unfailing good taste and a workshop of true artisans.

So, I had a limited print of a WWII aircraft battle that was signed by both Allied and Axis pilots. While we were were moving I inadvertently stepped on it. You can imagine the way I felt and the scratches that were created by the glass breakage. After some extensive research we found Buchanan and Kiguel. The restoration took some time but was completely worth it for a timeless piece. I was in tears when I picked up the final product. I was so pleased that I had them frame another original print. The prints they have in the store are like crack for an art addict. Wonderful CRAFTSMANSHIP, wonderful SERVICE, and incredible PRODUCT. There is no other shop like this in Northern Virginia. Thank you God.

I have to say i have never come across a frame shop quite like B and K. I have had many things framed there and would never think to take my things anywhere else. They take the utmost care and truly understand quality. They specialize in French Mats - hand painted to match a color in your piece - and only the employees and B and K have the eye to bring out the most in your art. I am like a kid in a candy store, cannot wait to see what they are going to do.Definitely recommend them to everyone I know.If they are good enough for the White House, they are good enough for me : )

I’m an avid collector of antique maps and prints. Locating a framer who could replicate quality period framing was next to impossible until I discovered B&K during visit to Old Town. WOW! Hands down the biggest selection of fine hand-made period frames and without doubt, the best French matting to be found anywhere.

I have been a customer of Buchanan & Kiguel for over 30 years. Beginning with Dr. Kiguel and over the last 20 years with Paul Williams, I have enjoyed expert assistance and artistic acumen in framing over 50 works of art. Many of the art works were placed in high-end gold leaf frames; many of them with flawlessly executed French mats. In the very rare instance where there has been dissatisfaction with the frame produced by one of the firm’s vendors, Paul unhesitatingly stood in my corner and had the frame re-done to my satisfaction. Over the years he has re-stretched a valuable canvas, repaired frames and surgically removed defects from the surfaces of paintings. I consider Paul Williams to be a person of the highest integrity and unreservedly recommend his services for custom framing, art conservation and restoration.

I have been going to Buchanan and Kiguel for all my specialty and fine art framing for nearly ten years. They do impeccable work. Their selection of French mats and finished corners frames are second to none in the DC area. Highly recommend.

I have dealt with Buchanan and Kiguel for many years. I have found themto be very helpful, and their selection of framing options is outstanding.The completed piece is always done with impeccable workmanshipand materials. They are a true gem in Alexandria, and I could not be more pleased with every piece I have taken to them. I highly recommend them.

My wife and I have had many pieces completed by B&K over the past twenty-five years. Their framing is exquisite and reflects a level of craftsmanship that is rare in this mass production world we have created. It is truly remarkable to see how the design and execution of the perfect framing job can enhance a piece of art and turn it into a family heirloom. We particularly appreciate the use of French mats for which B&K is famous. This beautiful Old World approach to framing must be seen to be believed.

I was very pleased and impressed with the job Buchanan and Kiguel did with an antique painting I had inherited and brought them. It was a portrait of an ancestor -- not great art but of emotional significance -- and both the magnificent frame and the painting itself were in very bad shape. Buchanan and Kiguel did an excellent job of restoring both, and I have been able to proudly hang the portrait prominently in my home.

They just restored a 17th century piece of art that had been damaged by mold and it looks great! The new framing is perfect, and we are very happy with their service and professionalism.

We have many etchings and drawings restored and framed by Buchanan and Kiguel and have been consistently impressed by the results. They do an excellent job of removing foxing and improving contrast and have made excellent suggestions for frames and mats. We are confident in their expertise and trust them to do good, conservative work.

Fantastic. In time and a careful concientious job. I know the work was more involved than they initially thought but they stuck to their initial estimate. Class.

Buchanan and Kiguel are professional, knowledgeable and skilled. They know what needs to be done, they do the work the way it should be done, and they care for treasured artwork the way you’d expect and hope. We brought in a beautifully painted, old family picture of an 18th century square-rigged ship that had been captained by my wife’s great grandfather. We wanted it appraised, cleaned and protected. After taking a look at the picture, the experts at Buchanan and Kiguel noted that the painting (which was on a board) was warping and just starting to crack the paint, and they recommended that it be flattened by attaching it to a secondary acid free back-board, that it get a thorough cleaning, that it be re-varnished for protection and that it get reframed, as the existing frame did not go well with the picture. We agreed to their recommendations and were easily convinced that the frame they recommended would significantly enhance the picture presentation. We were given an appraisal and an estimate for the work and were told that it would take about a month to complete the work. A week later, we got a call, telling us that as they got into the cleaning process, they determined that the picture had been originally varnished over some of the dirt (soot) and that they would likely damage the picture if they tried to perform the deep cleaning that they had originally proposed. They recommended that we go with only a surface cleaning to ensure they didn’t damage the picture. We agreed with their recommendation. The picture was completed about 3 weeks later and when we picked it up, we were thrilled. The warping was gone, the picture was noticeably cleaner and brighter, it had been reframed and varnished as promised and it looked beautiful. Most importantly, they took the care necessary to ensure that the painting was properly protected from further cracking and exposure to environmental damage. The final cost was over $200 less than their estimate due to the reduction in the level of cleaning. What was clear to us was that they treated our picture like it was their own, they knew what they were doing and that they were skilled enough to do the work properly. We were very happy with the result and would recommend Buchanan and Kiguel to anyone who had artwork that needed expert advise and care.

Beautiful job on my grandfathers portrait. A little on the expensive side, but, probably worth it.

Bought a wolf pic, and I absolutely love it, very beautiful