Some artworks carry more than just paint on canvas - they carry stories of history, family, and transformation. At our Warners Bay framing store, we recently had the privilege of reframing two beautiful canvas paintings that perfectly capture this idea. The subject? The iconic Surrey House in Southport, Queensland.
The Historic Surrey House
Built in 1880, Surrey House is a colonial-style homestead that stood as the legacy of the late Professor John Corbett and his family. With its elevated verandas and timber craftsmanship, it represented the best of Queensland architecture of its time.
The customer’s two canvases, painted in 1984, depict Surrey House in its rustic glory; weathered timber, corrugated iron, and the charm of a bygone era. Today, these paintings serve as both art and historical record, capturing a side of the Gold Coast that has long since changed.
A New Look Through Reframing
When the paintings were first framed decades ago, they were housed in traditional gold mouldings with linen slips. While elegant in their day, the style felt heavy and dated for the customer’s modern home.
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Our solution? A complete transformation using the white “Romeo” float frame from our Italian Classics collection. They represent:
- Contemporary simplicity: The clean white frame lightens the artworks, giving them an airy, modern feel.
- Depth and focus: The float frame style creates separation around the canvas, naturally drawing the eye inward.
- Cohesion as a set: Framing both in the same style makes them a perfect pair for display.
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This is a wonderful example of how reframing artwork can breathe new life into treasured pieces without losing their history.
Surrey House Today
Much like the frames, Surrey House itself has undergone a dramatic update. In recent years, the property has been completely renovated into a luxurious modern mansion. In fact, it sold in 2023 for an astonishing $24.8 million (source: realestate.com.au).
The Gold Coast’s Surrey House at Southport has hit the market - News Corp Australia
Seeing the contrast between the paintings, completed in 1984, and the modern-day residence is a reminder of how heritage and progress can coexist. Just as the house has evolved for today’s world, so too have the paintings - refreshed through careful, considered custom framing.
Preserving History, Updating Style
Whether it’s a family heirloom, a travel memento, or a historic print, custom framing allows you to honour the story behind an artwork while updating its look for today. At Frame Today, our experts specialise in canvas framing, float frames, and complete reframing solutions that blend style, protection, and craftsmanship.
Just like Surrey House, your art can move with the times while still holding onto its roots.
✨ Ready to transform your artwork? Find your nearest Frame Today framing store and let our expert framers help you preserve history while creating a fresh new look for your home.
