Additionally, Ruby is a fan of Goedman + Ooms’ use of natural materials. “I’m hardly a ‘die-hard eco-warrior’, but I do try to factor sustainability into my purchasing decisions. I look for products that were made to last, or already have a life behind them, and avoid anything that smacks of planned obsolescence. Items you know you’ll need to replace in a year because they were practically ‘designed to disintegrate.’ I think we could all be more aware of our buying habits and corresponding social impact. Quality might cost more, but if you can afford the higher price tag, why not? So these deliberate buying decisions naturally extend to how we frame our art.”

Not your typical store

Ruby has accumulated an impressive collection of ‘Dutch trees’ over the years. “We have a lot of art on our walls – ranging from work by lesser-known representatives of the Hague school to prints – and I try to select different wood types for each frame. Which is certainly possible, and Goedman + Ooms provides excellent advice. They’re not your ‘typical store’ where the selection is limited to oak frame A and oak frame B. They expertly help you find the perfect solution in terms of color pallet, materials, et cetera. They are frame makers, not frame sellers”.

Embellishers

“What’s more, wood adds a quality of its own. Every type of tree has a different character and charm. They even have slightly knotted wood, which can work marvelously with certain pieces. They’re fantastic. I used to live just around the corner from them and stop by all the time. But even now that I live near Haarlem, I make it a point to drive over with new acquisitions. And whatever I bring, Goedman + Ooms finds a way to embellish it.”