This review is so long overdue. Getting stuff framed is difficult and expensive. I used to work as an artist assistant and framed many things in my house myself, but I save the hard stuff for the professionals. Enter the purchase of LA BLOB- after years of obsessing over this movie poster, I finally pulled the trigger and bought it. When I unwrapped it, the entire poster took up my QUEEN BED. I was completely overwhelmed and asked a friend (artist and framer) where I could possibly take such a thing. He responded immediately with Allen framers. Harry worked to find me a wonderful frame that would complement the poster and helped with the install. He worked with my budget and had great suggestions about what would make the poster look good and what I should consider for resale value. I have since brought him other very complicated items to frame (including a shirt). Could not recommend more! Seriously great job! read more

Allen Custom Frame - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I asked them to frame my late father in law's watch, his dearest and last possession, as a gift for my husband. Don't get me wrong, this was PRICEY! But I wanted it to be really nice, and the staff were so lovely, and did a beautiful job! They HAND STITCHED the watch into the frame! So so nice! read more

Allen Custom Frame - Beautiful job on a sentimental item - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

High quality work and excellent customer service. If you have something special in need of framing, this is the place to go!

I had several pieces of art that I had collected over the years. The frame shop I'd visited had closed during the pandemic. I was delighted to find Allen Custom Frame. The team there is able to find the exact frame to enhance the art, and does a wonderful job. Custom framing is an art, and considering the value and the way it enhances a piece of art, it's well worth the investment. Allen Custom Frame does an outstanding job. read more

Best framing experience of my life. I know what good framing is, and you need to make a point to get the best. Thank you for the framing awesomeness! read more

Very high quality work by a talented staff. They recently did a small job and I was so pleased I brought in three more pieces for framing. Framing is always expensive, so I prefer a gallery like Allen because I know the work will be excellent. read more

Allen Custom Frame is the best framer in the Washington/ Maryland/ Virginia area. I have had 12-15 high end paintings, vintage photographs and antique woodblock prints framed by Allen. The owner, Harry Biscarr is excellent and very helpful - providing great service and value. I give them my highest recommendation read more

I only wish that the art I took them could be considered worthy of the fine work they did (it can't) and that I could say I'm worthy of the lengths they go to for customers (I can't.) I wouldn't consider another framing shop. Period. read more

Let's keep this succinct, shall we... The customer service was awesome. I spoke to the owner during my initial visit and when I picked up the framed piece (my graduate school diploma). He was very helpful, personable, and informative. The piece itself had a couple different borders and mattes and he helped me pick the best ones to fit the diploma along with a selected frame. It came out PERFECT, and I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I mean, it looks absolutely wonderful. I could recommend this place off of the workmanship alone. I am at odds over giving this place a 4 or 5 stars, simply because the place is a bit pricey in comparison to comparable framing workshops around DC. It kinda surprised me (and I've been to at least a few framing spots in DC before) and my wallet took a hit that month. Haha... (No worries...it made a full recovery and I have no regrets!) I have trouble deciding whether the value justifies the price. (That's not to say they are a rip-off...I don't believe that at all. They are in a very popular real estate location and their work is some of the best in DC!) For now, let's just say...be aware that it can be pricey, but if you have a bit of loot going into it...and especially if you need a variety of mattes, borders, etc., I can't recommend this place enough. Not hurting for cash? HANDS DOWN...ALLEN CUSTOM FRAME knows what they are doing. read more

I highly recommend Allen Custom Frame/Biscarr Fine Art's friendly, knowledgeable staff and the high-quality work they perform in a timely manner. In addition to framing services, there is a good stock of original and historic pieces available for sale. read more

I had a numbered print from my college years sitting around collecting dust that I knew I should get framed, but had never gotten around to doing so. I came across a LivingSocial deal for custom framing and bought it to get this print framed. I'm so glad I picked this framing deal to buy - the experience was fantastic. I waited until the last Saturday before the deal expiration to take my print in, and there was maybe a 15 minute wait with all the other stragglers, but the staff were really nice and worked quickly, yet without sacrificing customer service or spending the time to get to know what you were looking for. There were people in there with some seriously pricey and delicate works for framing and I felt a little stupid going up with a poster of my favorite band, but they treated everyone like their number one customer. I got my print back and it looks fantastic. I pretty much relied on what they recommended in terms of matting and framing since I don't have a very good eye for it and there were literally hundreds of frames and mats to choose from, and I'm really glad I took their advice. From start to finish it was a fantastic experience and I will definitely be back for future framing projects. read more

I have been having things framed by Allen Custom Frames for years, and I can say, with no reservations, they are the best in the business. First, they never hurry you when deciding on the best frame and the best mat that will complement your artwork, and they are incredibly knowledgeable about art and how best to show it off. I (and my friends) have had them frame beautiful work as well as pictures done by our kids when they were little. They give the same care and expertise to everything that comes into their shop. They are not inexpensive, but they are just as happy to help you find a less expensive alternative as they are when you have deep pockets. You will never be disappointed. Five+ stars! read more

Allen Custom Frame is a great place to have your art work framed. What distinguishes it from most other framers is the excellent "eye" of the owner, Harry Biscarr, in picking out a type of frame, color of frame, style of matting (double, single), style of mounting (floating, mat bound), and overall size of the final assembly. He is both an artist and a craftsman. Further, he and his staff are easy to work with. He will not foist his opinion about framing on you, but rather, make helpful suggestions so that the end product is "yours" - but with a trace or two (or three) of his ideas. The whole experience of working with him is many cuts above many shops who ask you what color frame and mat you want and leave it at that. As you might imagine, we are very satisfied with his work and we highly recommend his establishment. read more

I highly recommend this place. When I came in they were very helpful in picking out a good frame in my price range. The pricing is also very reasonable with a wide range of frames to choose from. Of all the frame stores right in the area I think this is the best. read more

I needed to get an 11 x 17 piece framed for my workplace. I visited a few of the many frame shops in this area and decided that I liked the staff at Allen Custom Frame the best. The gentleman I talked to about my framing needs had helpful suggestions on colors and frames. I came back a second time after I chose them and worked with the owner to make my final choices. He was similarly helpful and didn't try to upsell me with any special hardware I didn't need (unlike some other places). In the end, they did an excellent job for a very fair price! read more

I've been working with Biscarr Fine Art for over a decade now - they do great work. They excel at figuring out the best framing solution for YOU, your taste, your budget, your art. They have a terrific range of materials in all kinds of styles, and they are enthusiastic about everything I've ever brought them - more than twenty pieces now. Cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

I have a fine art that needed to be put back into its original frame. I spoke with Harry and he was very helpful and professional about my art. I brought my art work to his gallery and he was able to quickly and professionally put my art back to its original condition on the frame the same day. I would recommend Allen Custom Frame to everyone who is looking for an honest, professional, great customer service and reasonable price. I am from Baltimore and will continue to drive to Allen Custom Frames for all my framing needs. read more

I have been using Allen Frame for the past year or so as it's convenient to my office, reasonably priced and amazingly professional (and friendly too)! The owner and his employees all have a true love for what they do and are happy to offer suggestions, opinions, etc., or are happy to take direction if you have your own vision. Definitely a great place that I trust for my professional and personal framing! read more

I had a giant map of the world that I needed to get re-framed, originally from the 1960's, my dad passed the map down to me and it really meant a lot to me so I was especially concerned about making sure that whoever did the framing would take extra care. I asked around and Allen Custom Frame & Biscarr Fine Art was recommended to me. I couldn't be happier with the quality of work and the care they took in making sure the picture it's self was returned to me just as how I dropped it off (plus an awesome looking frame!). Amazing customer service and craftsmanship. read more

I went to Allen Custom Frame after buying a groupon (or living social) deal, I can't remember which. It really didn't matter. I had a wonderful experience. The folks in the store took their time helping me pick out a frame, and not only did I buy a frame for a painting, but I also saw a vintage frame that I was intrigued with - they added a beveled mirror - stunning. Overall, an easy and enjoyable experience. This is coming from someone who gets a lot of items framed! read more

I trust these guys with all of my art pieces. They do a fantastic job! Recently got a new piece framed and was reminded of how knowledgeable, friendly, and professional this shop its. They will show you a variety of options and prices in a low pressure environment. read more

Harry is absolutely amazing!! He is the utmost professional, takes great pride in his work and provides exemplary advice and first-class framing. He was very thoughtful, offered a wealth of information and delivered outstanding results! I was very grateful for his time, effort and the care he took in framing my pieces and hanging them at my home. He is the best, hands-down!! read more

Absolutely the best! We were given premier service, from frame and matte selection to professional hanging. Harry Biscarr really knows his stuff and took our artwork from interesting to spectacular! Cost is very reasonable and customer service is outstanding! read more

I had a LivingSocial deal, so I got two very large Japanese prints framed. They did a fantastic job. They were very upfront on the pricing and showed all my options. When it was going to take a little longer than expected, they were proactive about contacting me to let me know. Best of all, when we told them we were moving, they wrapped them up for shipping. If we still lived in DC, we'd definitely be back. read more

Fabulous. Fabulous. Fabulous. The best there is! With the eye of an artist, patiently helped us select the most appropriate frame for our oil painting (far from the most expensive, but the frame that worked the best with the painting). Then did a meticulous job with the framing. A pleasure to work with. We couldn't be happier with the experience or the end result. read more

Is there a fair price for the best? Harry is the Michael Jordan of framing -- his expert eye and help will gently guide you away from your faulty instincts, towards a framing solution that augments the effects of your painting by at least ten per cent. The three week backlog shows that people are happy to wait for the best. read more

These guys were outstanding! They were doing a huge order for the a federal agency (I forget which one), but still managed to get my small framing order done before schedule. It is some of the best I have ever seen, and I am proud to have their work on my wall! read more

Harry and his team have been framing my art for years. Now he frames pieces for my friends and family. He has such an eye for art, that I now just drop off the paintings and let him decide what to do with them. I have never been disappointed, and he frames them so they have the "wow" factor, each one totally different. I love to travel and try to bring some art back from each trip. His prices are very fair. He is the best that I have found in Washington, by far. read more

Harry Biscarr has been framing my art for almost 20 years. I like coming to him because he has a very good instinctive eye for what the best type of frame should be. He takes the time to really look at the piece to figure out the frame, matting and glass and his suggestions are almost always better than what I may have originally had in mind. His prices are also very fair. read more

I highly recommend Allen's. They chose just the right frame for a fine art print that has great sentimental value. The owner's advice on the proper glass was also very helpful. You can't go wrong bringing your items to Allen's. read more

Unfortunately, I never got a chance to try their framing. After waiting for 20 minutes without even a hello, as they helped people with living social coupons, they asked me to roll out my print. Then proceeded to ignore me and help someone else who came in afterwards. Didn't even look up as I walked out. read more

really great shop. they have always done an excellent job with my framing jobs and are super friendly to boot. they will always give you their honest artistic opinion, which I appreciate as someone not-so-artistic, without pushing it on you. very hard to find a place that does this kind of quality work in dc!! read more