Meet the Maker of These Beautiful Handcrafted Frames
Working from their home studio in York, Matthew and Meg Bower create beautiful handcrafted frames which are more than just a way to display photographs, but are pieces of art in themselves
What’s your background?
Well, by occupation I’m a project manager, so I pretty much live and breathe organisation – it sort of leaks into my personal life too. I’m that friend who loves planning birthday parties, coordinating our annual group trips (kids included!), and making sure everything runs smoothly. But I also like leaving space for things that are less structured and a bit more creative, where my mind can just flow.
I’ve always been drawn to anything creative – painting, drawing, and I have a real interest in interiors and making spaces feel more homely. Eventually, I realised there was a gap in the market for homeware that wasn’t just practical, but cosy and a display piece in itself. That’s really how Framette was born—by leaning more into my creative side.
Where do you source your materials?
A real mix! I love rummaging through local fabric stores, markets, and leftover bins for those one-of-a-kind finds – you never know what you’ll discover. Then there are the luxury fabrics, like the ones from Merchant & Mills (a favourite of mine!) which are always a joy to work with.
Where do you find inspiration?
Honestly, from the fabrics themselves. I’ll see a texture or colour and start imagining how it might frame a photo or bring warmth into a space. I’m especially drawn to earthy tones – they’re timeless and seem to find a place in just about anyone’s home.
What’s your typical day?
The dream start to my day is a coffee before the babies wake up – a coconut milk latte. Then it’s a woodland walk with my daughter and our puppy, Jax, to get some fresh air. Once I’m in the studio, my husband and I hand-wrap frames for whichever collection is coming up next, usually working in small fabric batches at a time. I’ll break off to book in deliveries for new orders, unbox incoming stock, or have a creative play on the iPad, sketching out fresh mount ideas.
Naturally, there are plenty of coffee breaks along the way before it’s time to collect the kids. In the nicer weather, we love heading to the local forest or beach in the afternoon. On rainy days, cooking tea together and baking our favourite oat biscuits is the perfect cosy end to the day.
What’s the hardest part of what you do?
It’s not exactly hard, but… admin. Ordering, packaging boxes and tissue paper, booking deliveries – it’s not the most thrilling part of the job. But it keeps everything ticking along, so it has to be done!
What’s the best part?
The freedom to be creative. There’s something magical about someone choosing to buy a piece you’ve handmade. Knowing one of our frames is holding a treasured memory in someone’s home is just the best feeling.
Can you tell us about a favourite recent creation?
Recently, we’ve loved working on a set of large fabric-wrapped frames to showcase antique prints for a beautiful store in London. I’ve also had the chance to collaborate with a few influencers on bespoke gallery walls, which was such a fun process. There’s something so rewarding about seeing everything come together – the mounts, the frames, and the memories inside. I don’t often get to see the finished piece in its new home, so when I do, it’s always one of my favourite parts.
What are you currently working on?
We’re busy building a big stockpile ready for Living North’s Christmas Fair at York Racecourse! Christmas is always a busy time, but so exciting.
Are you bringing anything new to Living North’s Christmas Fair?
Yes, we are! We’ve got some beautiful new fabrics for our frames that will be exclusive to the Fair, along with festive gold mounts to add a little sparkle – because it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a touch of gold!
We’re also teaming up with the lovely Steph from On Sundays, whose candles come in the most gorgeous scents. Together, we make the perfect gift bundle – frames and candles that make a truly special present.
– Our Interiors Editor’s Top Picks –
Blue stripe fabric photo frame, £39
Photobooth/photo strip luxury A4 mount, £15 (mount only, frame not included
Dark floral fabric photo frame, £39
Best place to eat/drink locally?
York is amazing for food and drink—I really love the city. Recently, I ate at Mezanos, an Italian restaurant, and had the seafood linguine. It’s my favourite dish because it was also my wedding meal when we got married in Italy in 2018, and Mezanos really did it justice! For something more low-key, I’m a fan of pizzas at The Hop – we go at least once a month. And the loaded duck fries at Yuzu are a meal in themselves. For drinks, Sora Sky Bar in York is a must. The views of York Minster are beautiful.
A book/TV show/podcast you recommend?
I love the podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe – it’s hilarious and really shows the funny side of parenting. For a bit of girly chat, Wednesdays is a great listen. I’ve just finished the book The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, which I really enjoyed, and I’ve just discovered it’s part of a trilogy, so I’ll be starting the second one soon.
An item you couldn’t live without?
My headphones! I love listening to music and podcasts while running or walking. At the moment, Olivia Dean is on repeat.
Best snack for a long journey?
It’s a bit of a mix, but I go for Minstrels or Mini Eggs on the chocolate front. In the summer, I also love olives, mango, and strawberries. Anything that’s picky!
