Our Story - Osner Framing in Hout Bay

Early Beginnings

Over thirty years ago, Martin Osner started a picture framing business alongside his commercial photography studio. During this time, he immersed himself in the framing industry—learning about various products, best-practice supplies, and the techniques required to protect and showcase artwork effectively.

Moving to Cape Town

In 2009, Martin relocated to Cape Town and opened the Martin Osner Fine Art Gallery in Green Point. Initially, he relied on local framing companies to produce frames for his gallery exhibitions. However, inconsistent workmanship missed deadlines, and limited style options prompted him to seek a more custom solution.

Reestablishing the Workshop in Hout Bay

Determined to offer the quality and design flexibility he envisioned, Martin reopened his original framing workshop in Hout Bay within the Osner Gallery building. This strategic move allowed him to oversee every detail—ensuring consistent quality for his gallery, as well as other Osner gallery locations that frequently required new frames for rotating exhibitions.

Opening to the Public

For a time, Osner Framing primarily served the family of galleries and select clients. Four years ago in 2021, with the workshop workflow and expertise fully refined, Martin began welcoming public framing projects. Today, Osner Framing collaborates with a diverse clientele, including local artists, interior designers, and architects, delivering personalized solutions for each project.

Our Aesthetic & Approach

Thanks to Martin’s background in fine art photography—and the influence of his daughter, Samantha Osner, who is also an exhibiting artist—Osner Framing is known for a clean, minimalist style. We believe the frame should enhance the artwork without overpowering it. As a result, our preferred mouldings are simple and non-ornate, often crafted from natural wood in neutral tones like white, black, charcoal, or grey. We carefully stain or paint these frames by hand to ensure a precise colour match that complements each piece.

Have a look at our framing style...