We feel like a part of us lives on every wall, in every customer’s home, office, or gallery
Luigi Giannantoni
Established in Brunswick in 1985, Barkly Picture Framing has distinguished itself with its unique approach to custom framing.
As a family owned and operated business, they pride themselves in their custom framing expertise and advice – with their integrity and absolute care for customer’s artwork at the forefront of their commitment.
Their level of respect towards craftsmanship, and the promotion of only the finest quality materials and products, is a large part of their ethos.
Today, when you enter their front door, you are welcomed not only by a beautiful shopfront, expertly outlining their ability and integrity towards their profession, but more importantly, you are greeted by the warming nature of father and son team – Luigi and Lui Jnr.
With 2025 being their 40th year of doing business, the Sydney Road Brunswick Association wanted to get to know more about how it all began, what they love most about what they do, and of course, the legacy their business continues to build. We reached out to Lui Jnr with some questions.
What inspired Luigi to start Barkly Picture Framing?
After being in business for a number of years importing timber moulding for the picture framing industry, and learning the craft of manufacturing in a wholesale environment – my father, Luigi, decided to branch out and open his own workshop, offering a custom framing service.
Has Barkly Picture Framing always been at the same premise?
Yes, we have always been in the same premise at 80 Sydney Road Brunswick – from day one. When Luigi made the decision to go out on his own, he wanted a multicultural atmosphere with a strong creative, and very artistic, community. Never expecting how vibrant and eclectic Brunswick would become over the years.
Did Luigi start the business with the idea that it would be kept as a family business, to be handed down?
I was only 2 years old in 1985, when it all began. To be honest, there was no plan at the beginning to hand over anything.
I would spend the school holidays running around the shop in the early years, and then throughout my teenage years, I began to pick up skills and learn the trade – following my father around the workshop.
With both Luigi (original business owner) and yourself reflecting over their time in business, what has been one or two moments that you have been incredibly proud of?
It’s hard to name just one or two moments. To be honest, the best feeling we get when it comes to custom framing is taking customers through the framing consultation process, even when we know they can’t quite visualise the final outcome.
Once completed, we get to surprise them with the finished product, and see the look of joy on our customer’s faces. This is the reward that keeps us incredibly proud of what we do.
Have you, Lui Jnr, always been part of the business?
I was always at the workshop, and from a very early age. As a curious young boy I nearly lost a few fingers playing with tools and machinery that I shouldn’t have been. But, with the right guidance, practice and patience (on Luigi’s behalf), I learnt everything I know today.
Reflecting on reaching this milestone of 40 years serving the community, what are you both most thankful for?
It’s our return customers over the years that we would have to be the most thankful for. We are such a niche service, and we pride ourselves on our craftsmanship.
We have so many customers that simply remember Luigi framing an early family photo, or preserving a precious family memento, and then returning with multiple framing jobs – continuing to entrust us to create something special that can sometimes live forever on the wall in someone’s home.
We feel like a part of us lives on every wall, in every customer’s home, office, or gallery for that matter.
Thinking back to the very beginning, does Luigi remember what the first framing job was?
Believe it or not, it was a map of Italy – which Luigi was very familiar with, being an Italian immigrant in the late 1960’s. This was one of many, over the years.
Framing is a thing of beauty, capturing and presenting special moments and creativity. Do you have any thoughts about the positive impact your business has on many people’s lives, and your ability to add so much sentimental value and long loved reflection in homes?
Picture framing is more than putting art behind glass, it’s a craft that adds emotional aesthetic and even cultural value. Custom framing gives people a way to display what they like and what matters most. Visual story telling is the impact our business has on people’s lives.
To be able to celebrate 40 years of business is a huge milestone, and speaks wonders to the business you have curated over time. Continuing this legacy we’re sure is a priority for you. What do you see as the future of Barkly Picture Framing?
Well, as you know, in business nowadays the emphasis on social media is everything, and if you’re not producing content you’re going to get left behind.
Instagram is our favourite tool because it’s a visual platform, and our Instagram page now highlights hundreds of completed works.
More recently, we’ve started story telling reels that showcase our behind the scenes framing process, from all framing aspects.
This behind the scenes approach, and showcase of completed works, has been at the forefront of our Instagram page. Importantly, it helps customers engage in the custom and tailored service we offer, and is a big focus for us moving forward.
If you’re reading this and haven’t followed Barkly Picture Framing on Instagram, check them out.
Every business story is a unique story, and the Association thanks Barkly Picture Framing for sharing insights into their history, integrity, family, and customers.