Description
We have been bending and fitting antique replica convex glass (also known as bubble glass or domed glass) since the early 1970s, and we currently stock most antique sizes and shapes along with their modern equivalents. Although oval convex glass is most popular with our Vintage Collection of frames, our convex bubble glass will fit any frame we make.
Measuring Convex Glass
Oval Convex bubble glass is measured just like oval flat glass, measuring length and width directly across the glass (not around the bend of the glass). Oval convex glass generally has a depth of between 3/4" to 1" although deeper bends are possible. The most popular sizes often seem unusual such as the Oval 13 1/2" x 19 5/8". Many people are concerned that these odd sizes are no longer available or will require custom bending fees. However, we stock many of these unusual antique sizes, and most often no custom set up fees are required.
Although we stock 15 standard sizes of oval convex glass, we also custom bend any size of convex bubble glass up to 20" x 24". Each custom bend requires a paper tracing of the size required. The line you draw will be the line the glass is cut to. You will need to allow 3-4 weeks delivery after we receiving the tracing to produce your custom size convex glass.
History
Although oval picture frames make up less than 5% of all picture frames produced today, this has not always been the case. Over half of the picture frames produced in America by some the largest picture frame factories in the late 1800's up to about 1940 were oval picture frames, round picture frames, or antique octagon picture frames. A large percentage of these frames were used to frame family portraits with convex glass. Today many attics and basements are home to these family heirlooms framed in antique frames and often broken convex bubble glass.
Victorian Frame Company has a long history of bending convex glass replacements for these images. Our glass bending started in the early 1970’s and today we continue to manufacture convex glass along with a unique collection of antique replica frames. See our Vintage Collection of frames.
Uses of Convex Glass
Most oval convex glass is used to cover antique portraits in which the photographs themselves were also convex. We produce convex glass to fit our own antique replica frames, and also can supply an oval convex glass replacement to fit actual antique frames. We also regularly produce convex glass replacements to replace broken pieces in clocks, gauges and other instruments.
The Bending Process
Convex Glass is made by laying flat glass into frame molds and heating the glass to temperatures that allow the glass to slump. Longer heat creates a deeper bend.
Deep Convex Glass or Acrylic Domes?
Oval convex glass normally has a bend of about 3/4" to 1”. If you are displaying an item that has more depth than a photo or canvas, then you may consider using our oval acrylic domes which fit all our frames and range in depth from 2.5" up to 7". To view our acrylic domes click here.
