Ottawa’s always changing, but some places just stick. Patrick Gordon Framing (PGF) is one of those gems of the capital—quietly holding down the fort for over twenty years. Locals swear by it, artists lean on it, and newcomers usually hear about it through the grapevine. Whether you’re framing your first piece or your fiftieth, it’s the kind of spot that feels like it’s been part of the city’s heartbeat all along.
Ideally situated in City Centre—just steps from the O-Train’s Pimisi Station—Patrick Gordon Framing sits on Elm Street, tucked between two of Ottawa’s most beloved neighbourhoods: Chinatown and Hintonburg. This multifaceted studio offers custom framing, conservation referrals, frame repairs, consultations, and more, delivering top-tier services tailored to each client’s needs. PGF champions all artists by providing affordable options and personalized care, ensuring every piece gets the attention it deserves to highlight its original beauty.
Patrick and his team are seasoned pros when it comes to framing and preservation. They know how to handle original artwork and personal pieces with care, and they follow solid archival and museum standards as part of their process. Clients appreciate their honest advice, practical approach, and the care they show for every piece that comes through the door. Whether you’re an emerging artist or just framing something important to you, you’re in good hands. ‘All the people who work here have an arts background’, says Gordon. ‘Anybody that comes into the store is going to get good advice regardless of whom they’re talking to. Our staff are quite knowledgeable and experienced in both handling art and displaying art.’
ABOVE: Patrick Gordon with his skilled team of framing and preservation experts.
In recent years, Patrick Gordon Framing has seen a steady rise in clients bringing in textile-based pieces—everything from silk panels to embroidery and needlepoint. Shannon, the shop’s manager and a certified picture framer, has played a key role in adapting to this shift. With a background in textiles, she ensures each piece is handled with care and preserved properly.
“It’s amazing to see how many people are choosing to preserve textile work now,” Shannon says. “What used to come in maybe once a month, we’re seeing weekly—and each one has a story behind it.”
To share that knowledge, Shannon hosted an in-house seminar on textile preservation, helping artists and collectors understand what their pieces need to stand the test of time. The growing interest reflects a wider appreciation for fabric-based art—and PGF has embraced it head-on.
Part of the fun—and the challenge—at Patrick Gordon Framing lies in the custom requests that call for imagination and a personal touch. “Those are the ones we love,” says Patrick. “Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to make it work, and that’s where our team really shines.”
While original artwork makes up the bulk of their day-to-day business, the shop is deeply embedded in Ottawa’s arts community. They collaborate with local galleries and work with government organizations like Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, and more.
The variety of items that come through their doors is as unique as their approach. Over the years, they’ve framed foreign currency, childhood mementos—and yes, even the curved shell of a horseshoe crab. If it needs to be framed, fastened, or simply presented with care, Patrick and his team will find a way to get it done.
No matter the piece, every project at Patrick Gordon Framing is treated with the care and attention it deserves. When it comes to selecting the right materials and styles, Patrick explains, “My staff and I try not to get too ‘matchy’ with the art. We’re not looking at it like interior designers. Our goal is something that complements the piece without interfering—a frame that’s attractive and protective. That’s our concern—it’s looked after.”
Even the choice of glass isn’t left to chance. While many framers opt for non-glare finishes, Patrick prefers a low-reflection glass that delivers clarity without distraction. “It reflects light in different directions, so it stays crisp without the mirror effect regular glass gives off. It’s clean—so clean you barely notice it’s there.”
Every day brings a new and often unexpected challenge. One moment, the team may be working on a major project for Ottawa-based photographer Jeff Thomas, who has an upcoming exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery: the next, they’re crafting a personalized frame for an emerging artist’s first show. Regardless of scale, each project is approached with the methodical care it warrants.
With a multi-pronged skillset and the creative drive to adapt as trends evolve, it’s clear Patrick and his team are ready for anything the art world throws their way. Big or small, bold or understated—if it needs to be framed, they’ll find a way.
Visit Patrick Gordon Gallery at 160 Elm Street and online at patrickgordonframing.ca
