The Return of Craftsmanship: Passing the Framing Torch on Laird Drive
If you have lived in Leaside for a while, or if you are an art collector in Toronto, the corner of Laird Drive and Canvarco Road probably means one thing to you: legendary, world-class picture framing.
For decades, Emmett’s Custom Framing at 75 Laird Drive set the gold standard. Operating out of the historic, unobtrusive gray building that once fronted the old Canada Varnish Company, Emmett Maddix and his son Adam built a global reputation. They didn’t just put frames on pictures; they managed master-level paper restoration, tackled complex “foxing” (removing age spots from historic documents), and crafted impeccable period reproductions. They became a quiet neighborhood fixture trusted by everyone from local families to the Ontario Government and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Read more about Emmett’s Custom Framing on Leasidelife.com >>
Post on Leasidelife.com
When local news recently highlighted Emmett’s incredible legacy, it struck a major chord with us. Why? Because the spirit of high-end, uncompromising craftsmanship is officially returning to the very same block.
Right next door, at 30 Canvarco Road, a new chapter of art preservation is coming to life. This July, we are officially opening the doors to North Framing Atelier.
A New Neighbor with Old-School Standards
We know how much Leaside values quality, history, and community. That is why we are so excited to bring museum-grade picture framing and premium printing back to the Laird Street corridor.
At North Framing Atelier, we are combining time-honored preservation techniques with modern design aesthetics. Whether you are an artist preparing for an exhibition, a collector protecting a valuable piece, or a homeowner preserving a cherished family memory, we treat every single piece of art like a historic artifact.
Here is a look at what we are bringing to the neighborhood:
Museum-Grade Preservation: We don’t cut corners. From acid-free matting to specialized UV-filtering glass, we ensure your artwork is entirely protected from the elements and the passage of time.
Archival Mounting: Utilizing precise, reversible techniques like structural T-hinge mounting, your art remains securely suspended without ever damaging the original paper.
Best Prices: Finding high-quality preservation shouldn’t be a luxury. We are committed to offering the community museum-grade materials and professional craftsmanship at the absolute best prices.
Opening This July!
Leaside has always been a hub for independent businesses that take pride in doing things the right way. We are incredibly proud to step into that tradition right down the street from where Emmett’s made history.
Our brand-new showroom at 30 Canvarco Road is currently getting its finishing touches, and we are on track to officially welcome you on Grand Opening July 2026.
Whether you want to consult on a complex framing project, check out our premium print capabilities, or just pop in to say hello to your new local framing team, we can’t wait to meet you. Let’s keep the tradition of fine art and craftsmanship alive on Laird!
S.Balan | Director of North Framing Atelier.
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S.Balan
There’s something deeply rewarding about bringing a dedicated physical showroom to the community this July. In an era dominated by mass production, we are doubling down on the art of archival picture framing and museum-grade preservation.
At North Framing Atelier, “The Return of Craftsmanship” isn’t just a slogan—it’s our technical standard. Whether it’s specialized mounting or selecting the perfect glass, we are focused on passing the torch of traditional quality to a new generation of art lovers. We can’t wait to welcome the neighborhood into our new home on Laird Drive.