Custom Framing Company

General information

Founded in 1903, in the basement of Manual M. Alves’ home, Custom Framing Company has been passed down through four generations of skilled craftsmen. Manuel, a gilder and picture framer, moved with his family from Portugal to New Bedford, where he began the business. Using the techniques of gold-leafing, and creating one-of-a-kind, hand-carved frames, Manuel soon had a successful company. Guided by the skill and knowledge of his father, Manuel’s son, Clarence M. Alves, learned the trade from a young age and eventually took over the business after his father passed away in 1939. Keeping tradition alive, Clarence M. Alves, Jr. soon began working with his father full-time. After his father moved to California, Clarence Jr. became the new owner, running the business from 1966-1990. As three generations before him had done, Kevin M. Alves, took over the family business, purchasing the company from his father in 1990. The shop has remained in operation ever since, and has recently completed the process of moving from its location on Hillman Street to its new location on 4417 Acushnet Avenue.