The Fife Arms – Braemar.
The Fife Arms hotel has recently been completely refurbished to a very high standard with lavish textiles and antique furniture.
A London interior designer commissioned us. We were tasked to produce a number of portraits and frames for the Fife Arms Hotel at Braemar.
To the left. I was asked to add a painted oval mount and Scottish rose to each corner of the painting. Then, I designed a range of chequered gold and black frames. One of these frames is on the painting to the left.
Two further frames are below the head of the bed. They include the Lost Prince Charlie portrait and the Scottish Highlander Prince.
There were six frames altogether.
By Penny Richardson
Introduction: A Highland Commission
When the call comes from the Highlands—specifically, Braemar—it’s always something special. The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar recently underwent a sumptuous refurbishment. I was honoured to be invited by a London-based interior designer. They asked me to contribute bespoke portraits and hand-painted frames to the project. Commissions like this are incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the best parts of being an artist + framer in Scotland.
The Brief & My Approach
The brief was as elegant as the surroundings. It required creating portraits and frames that feel both historic and playful. The result should be ornate yet bespoke. The designer wanted traditional imagery (royal portraits, Scottish figures), yet with flourishes that nod to modern tastes and colour sensibilities.
From the start, I knew I wanted to bring my own voice into the work. I wanted to achieve this through hand-painting. I also focused on subtle colour choices. Additionally, I aimed for a balance of reverence and whimsy.
Frederick William III
One of the standout pieces is my rendition of Frederick William III, King of Prussia. I was given a black-and-white etching as the starting point. I was asked to introduce colour. However, I was to leave the face uncoloured. I chose gouache watercolour for its soft, velvety texture to apply rich tones across the rest of the portrait. To complete the piece I restored an antique, gilt frame and mounted the work within a bespoke frame.
Frederick William III (German: Friedrich Wilhelm III) was born on 3 August 1770. He died on 7 June 1840. He was King of Prussia from 1797 to 1840. He reigned during one of the most turbulent periods in European history. His reign spanned the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna, and the reshaping of Europe after Napoleon’s defeat.
Prince Albert Caricatures Paris France
Another room in the hotel (the “Prince Albert” room) called for a different flavour. I created caricatures of Prince Albert in pen & ink. I weaved in visual references to his lifestyle—Parisian motifs, cigars, automobiles. I ensured that the overall style harmonised with the hotel’s interior identity.
Queen Victoria Family Photograph (Hand coloured)
I was commissioned to hand tone this Royal photograph of Queen Victoria. It uses ‘Sergeant Pepper’ colours and is intended to go into the Queen Victoria bedroom.
Scottish Portraits
Major General David Stewart of Garth
Major General David Stewart of Garth
I sourced an original etching of Major General David Stewart of Garth. Then, I layered on a painted treatment inspired by a “Sergeant Pepper” style colour overlay. I used gouache watercolour for this. Finally, I paired it with a modern, hand-painted frame. This gave the piece character and personality while respecting the historic subject.
Other Portraits & Details
- Marion Angus – the celebrated Scottish poet. I reconstructed a portrait from a poor-quality photograph, interpreting something of her poetic soul into the composition.
- Allan Ramsay (Father & Son) – merging multiple source images into a cohesive portrait grouping, then framing it with intention.
- Thomas Pennant Still Life – I added detailed objects to an existing still-life piece. These objects incorporate symbols connected to Scottish and Welsh travel literature.
Framing as Art
Framing isn’t just about protecting a picture—it’s another layer of the artwork itself. For the Fife Arms project I designed custom chequered gold and black frames, and even painted ovals and Scottish roses at mount corners to tie the frame into each portrait’s story
Each bespoke frame was selected or painted to complement the piece, the setting, and the sense of place. In a building as character-rich as The Fife Arms, the frame becomes part of the interior’s storytelling.
The Experience: Place, Detail & Collaboration
Working in Scotland (especially near Braemar) means being sensitive to setting. The hotel sits in the Highlands, only a stone’s throw from Balmoral. The architecture, the light, the heritage—all these feed into how you choose colour, scale, and style.
Collaboration was key: with the interior designer, with the hotel’s heritage, and with the details of space and room function. It became about more than making pictures; it was about creating atmosphere.
Invitation to Bespoke Work
If you have an idea—perhaps a portrait, a hand-painted frame, or a restoration commission—I’d love to hear it. Whether you want something steeped in tradition or you prefer a playful twist, I can work with you. I can bring it to life.
Please email me with your project ideas. I’ll be happy to discuss your vision and work up a personalised quotation.