Here is something to ponder – a picture frame that measures 500-feet by 300-feet. The professionals at Avant Print and Frame in Kingman, Arizona specialize in custom archival framing. And that means that they can ensure your print will enhance the den or office with a museum quality appearance. But there are limits unless you happen to be an architect in Dubai. 

  In recent years Dubai has evolved as a city rich with landmarks, architectural masterpieces, and a vibrant nightlife. Dominating the towering skyline is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. One of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in the world, Burj Al-Arab, is another landmark in Dubai. 

From a distance it appears to be a dhow sail towering over an island. The rooftop Skyview Bar provides visitors with awe inspiring panoramic views. There is even an underwater restaurant where diners are surrounded by colorful sea life. 

When the services of Mexican born architect Fernando Donis were retained to create a landmark in Dubai, he faced a very unique challenge. How do you create a landmark that stands out in a city of landmarks?

He rose to the challenge and created a landmark that highlighted landmarks. The Dubai Frame stands at a point where old Dubai with its quaint neighborhoods and markets merge with modern Dubai with towering architectural marvels. 

The glass, steel and reinforced concrete rectangle appears to be a dramatically oversized gold-painted picture frame with beveled edges. It is clad in shimmering photovoltaic cells to collect solar energy.

Looking through the frame the visitor sees the hotels and skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road. This represents the city’s shining future. From the opposite side the city’s oldest neighborhoods are framed. 

 But this innovative landmark also frames a series of galleries. Together they present the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates. There is also a Future Dubai Gallery where architectural renderings of planned city projects are on display. 

It may not be a world’s record but frames for postage stamps are in stark contrast to the Dubai Frame. And one of the world’s smallest stamps was issued by the Columbian department of Bolivar in 1863. It measures only 2.9 square inches.

But true contrast to the Dubai Frame is found in the work of British artist Willard Wigan. Using tools of his own design, and almost supernatural patience, Wigan crafts micro-sculptures. Over the years has crafted richly detailed sculptures of movie stars, sports celebrities, animals, fairies, and fictional characters. Incredibly they are framed in the eye of a needle, or even on the head of a pin.

You may not be framing a city or a stamp, or a fairy that is almost too small to be seen with the naked eye. But your prints and pictures deserve the best. After all they are treasures to you and your family, and a legacy for future generations. And as such they are worthy professional matting and framing, a specialty of Avant Print & Frame in Kingman, Arizona.   Check out our services page for more information.

Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America