What services do you offer?

Our services include custom picture framing, museum-quality conservation framing, canvas stretching, shadow box framing, custom mirrors, and more. All work is completed on-site in our Palo Alto studio.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are always welcome during our business hours. However, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure you get dedicated one-on-one time with our designer. Appointments can be booked online at our booking page.

We frame a wide variety of items — original paintings, fine art prints, photography, vintage posters, certificates, diplomas, textiles, jerseys, memorabilia, and more. We also design and build custom framed mirrors. If you're unsure whether your piece can be framed, bring it in and we'll advise you.

How much does custom picture framing cost?

Custom framing pricing depends on the size of the piece, the frame style, matting, and glazing options you choose. We work with a wide range of budgets and will walk you through all your options during your appointment.

How long has Richard Sumner Frames been in business?

We opened our doors in 1972, making us one of the oldest businesses in Palo Alto and the only remaining custom picture framing shop in the downtown area. Over 50 years of experience goes into every frame we build.

Where is Richard Sumner Frames located?

We are located at 628 Emerson Street in downtown Palo Alto, CA 94301. We serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including Atherton, Menlo Park, Los Altos, and San Francisco.

Do you only serve Palo Alto?

No — while our studio is in Palo Alto, we serve clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We regularly work with clients from Atherton, Menlo Park, Los Altos, and beyond, and offer delivery and installation throughout the region.

Shadow box & memorabilia framing

Shadow box framing is designed for three-dimensional objects that require depth, structure, and careful presentation. We create custom displays that preserve and highlight meaningful items in a visually compelling way. From memorabilia to textiles, we serve clients across Palo Alto and the Bay Area who want to turn personal objects into lasting displays.

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What can be framed in a shadow box

We design custom layouts for a wide range of objects:

Sports jerseys and memorabilia
Concert tickets
Restaurant menus
Heirlooms and collectibles
Textiles and garments
Awards and keepsakes

A large crowd attending a concert with a band performing on stage under bright lights.

Custom layout and design

Each shadow box is carefully arranged to balance storytelling and visual composition.

Custom depth and spacing
Secure mounting methods
Museum-style presentation options

We ensure your items are both secure and beautifully presented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready to stop by, go ahead and book an appointment.

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A shadow box is a deep-set frame designed to display three-dimensional objects — things that can't lie flat under standard glass. The added depth allows items to be mounted, arranged, and displayed in a way that is both protective and visually striking.
Almost anything meaningful — sports jerseys, medals, military memorabilia, concert tickets, wedding keepsakes, heirloom textiles, children's artwork, travel mementos, and more. If it has sentimental or collectible value, it likely deserves a shadow box.
We use secure, non-damaging mounting methods appropriate to each item. Textiles may be stitched to a fabric backing; medals and flat items may be adhered or mounted on risers. Our goal is always to preserve the item while presenting it beautifully.
Yes. Jersey framing is one of our most popular shadow box services. We'll lay out the jersey to display it at its best, and you can choose whether to include additional items like a signed photo, program, or nameplate.
Absolutely. Many of our shadow boxes tell a larger story — a collection of concert tickets from a decade of shows, a military service display with medals and photos, or a family keepsake combining multiple generations of mementos. We'll design the layout to balance all the elements.
We can discuss archival and conservation-level options for your shadow box if long-term preservation is a priority — particularly for military medals, historical documents, or irreplaceable items. Just let us know when you come in.

Ready to turn your cherished objects into a lasting display?

Visit us to design a custom shadow box that preserves your story in a meaningful way.

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