Though “Artist” may not be in Frank Gentile’s official job title, it may as well be. The longtime owner of The Frame Shop, celebrating 60 years of business, does more than simply fasten a new frame around a loose picture. Gentile immortalizes memories, moments, history, hobbies and personalities. With trusty antique tools, a drafting table and a keen eye, the Italian immigrant patiently brings the intangible to life.
Tucked into a cozy space at 8739 Ridge Road, Gentile’s shop is akin to opening the wardrobe door with Lucy and readers of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” or stepping onto the streets of Diagon Alley with Harry Potter and Hagrid. Hundreds of framed masterpieces crowd every single inch of space, from historic scenes of Cleveland in the early 1900s to regal oil paintings to watercolors that once sailed ocean liners to framed military heirlooms, 500-year-old Chinese linens, hand-written Irish postcards from 1905 and 1906, a Polish painting dating back to WWII, Broadway bills, limited edition concert advertisements, delicate mirrors, child nursery artwork, government documents, enchanting Christmas cards, iconic prints by famed Cleveland photographer Jim Ptacek and much more, including the thousands of custom frames customers can choose from and the collection of imported mattes in brilliant, dreamy hues.
Originally from Italy, Gentile came to the United States at age 11. As a high school student with an interest in wood-working, he took a job at Pirson Picture Framing in 1959. Just two weeks after starting, the owner of the East Fourth shop died, leaving the daughter and son-in-law to run it. Gentile deeply loved his new job and at just 18 years old, Gentile mustered up the gumption and finances to purchase the store. And in true American dream form, he simultaneously opened his own little frame shop in Cleveland. After going a month with absolutely no customers, luck came through when an artist acquaintance of Gentile’s brother needed a bunch of watercolors framed. As time marched on, so did Gentile’s customer-base. Pirson Picture Framing closed in 2003 and Gentile’s “little frame shop in Cleveland,” continued to flourish. He moved The Frame Shop to North Royalton in the 90s.
Gentile has been married to his wife Judy for 54 years and together they have two sons, Richard and Matthew. Now approaching 80 years of age, Frank shows no signs of slowing down and works alongside his son, Matthew. He performs everything custom, including frames, mirrors and even gold-leaf application. Gentile can frame “most anything” such as sports jerseys, artwork, military memorabilia, family heirlooms, graduation certificates, portraits, wedding mementos and more. Gentile can also restore frames and install his work personally. He also handcrafts shadow boxes, an enclosed display case that artistically presents personal items of significance for a more dramatic visual effect.
He does not have a website for his business, as he doesn’t have much use for one. The Frame Shop is the No. 1 search result on Google and customers come from all over, including the far reaches of the globe.
In a soft Italian accent, Gentile explains how he works with a customer.
“I ask them about the décor of the room that it is going in, what kind of walls, carpeting, drapes, and we go over the matte as well. They can even do suede, linen fabric; where we are it is custom work. I am like a shoemaker,” he said.
As we concluded our chat and tour, Gentile warmly wrapped up our conversation – “And now, you go home to your family.”
The Frame Shop is celebrating its 60th anniversary, which was made official on June 8, with an inventory sale. For more information, call (440) 237-2042. The Frame Shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Wednesday and Sunday.
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer