After nearly five decades of preserving memories and artwork for generations of families, a long-standing framing business in Ottawa is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for both its owner and the local community.
Malen Framing, a fixture on Prince of Wales Drive since the late 1970s, will officially shut down on March 30. The shop has spent 48 years transforming personal items—from wedding photos to rare collectibles—into carefully preserved pieces designed to last a lifetime.
Founded in 1978 by Gaston Malenfant, the business began as a modest lamp store. It quickly evolved when local artists started displaying their work inside the shop. Within a year, the space transitioned into a gallery, eventually focusing on custom framing—a craft that would define the business for decades.
Malenfant built his reputation on attention to detail and a philosophy centered on longevity. Each project was treated not just as a purchase, but as something meant to be passed down through generations. Customers often returned with deeply personal items, trusting the shop to enhance and protect what mattered most to them.
Over time, the store became known for its ability to elevate everyday objects into meaningful displays. Whether it was a family portrait, a painting, or a sentimental keepsake, the goal remained consistent: ensure customers left with something they valued even more than when they arrived.
But behind the scenes, the industry has been quietly shrinking. According to Malenfant, fewer than a dozen custom framers remain in Ottawa, a stark contrast to earlier decades when demand was stronger and craftsmanship was more widely practiced.
The shift in consumer behavior has played a major role. More people now opt for ready-made frames or purchase art online, reducing the need for personalized services. At the same time, the trade itself is aging, with few younger professionals stepping in to continue the craft.
“The industry isn’t expanding,” Malenfant has reflected in recent conversations. “It’s gradually becoming smaller, and the next generation isn’t replacing those leaving.”
This trend is not unique to Ottawa. Across North America, traditional framing businesses are facing similar pressures as convenience and affordability reshape how people buy and display art. Insights from global e-commerce trends highlight how online purchasing habits continue to influence local retail sectors.
Despite these challenges, the heart of Malen Framing has always been its community. Loyal customers have returned for decades, building relationships that extend beyond transactions. One longtime client, who has relied on the shop for over 35 years, credits the team’s expertise and care for preserving her entire collection of artwork.
The shop’s work also reached far beyond private homes. Over the years, projects have taken the team across Ontario, installing framed pieces in universities, embassies, hotels, and even government offices, including locations on Parliament Hill.
For employees like Rafman Nazerally, who has spent more than 36 years with the company, the experience has been both creative and fulfilling. The role offered exposure to unique projects and craftsmanship rarely found elsewhere, shaping a career built on skill and curiosity.
The team itself—six members strong—has remained a constant presence, contributing to an environment rooted in collaboration and shared passion. That sense of teamwork, combined with the personal connections formed with customers, is what Malenfant says he will miss most.
Pricing at the store has varied widely over the years, with custom frames ranging from $150 to over $2,000, depending on materials and complexity. Yet flexibility has always been part of the service, ensuring customers could find a solution that matched both their vision and budget.
As the final days approach, the closure feels less like a business decision and more like the conclusion of a long-standing community chapter. For Malenfant, the shop has never been just work—it has been a place filled with creativity, interaction, and purpose.
With its doors set to close at the end of the month, Malen Framing leaves behind a legacy defined by craftsmanship, trust, and the quiet art of preserving memories—one frame at a time.
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