At Frames & Stretchers NYC, we take immense pride in delivering museum-quality custom framing projects that preserve and elevate culturally significant artworks. Recently, we were honored to complete an exceptional framing commission for the Ford Foundation: framing the powerful and iconic portrait of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, captured by pioneering photographer Alex Harsley. This photograph, known as “I Am the Greatest”—also referred to as “I Am Beautiful” and “Up Close and Personal”—required not only artistic sensitivity but also expert archival framing techniques to protect and present this historic image with the care it deserves.
A Powerful Portrait of Muhammad Ali by Alex Harsley
Alex Harsley’s photograph captures Muhammad Ali in 1972, mid-gesture, radiating the charisma, strength, and intensity that defined his legacy inside and outside the ring. Ali was more than a boxer; he was a revolutionary figure who inspired millions around the world through his athletic achievements, activism, and unapologetic confidence. Framing such a photograph is a technical and artistic challenge that calls for precise conservation methods and a deep understanding of its cultural and historic importance.
At Frames & Stretchers NYC, our approach combined museum-level craftsmanship with reverence for the subject. The result was a stunning, custom-built shadow box frame that not only protects the photograph but gives it the presence it deserves. It's not just framed—it's honored.
Why Use a Museum-Quality Shadow Box Frame?
A shadow box frame isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a method rooted in fine art preservation. By creating space between the artwork and the glazing, shadow boxes prevent contact damage and add a dimensional, sculptural quality to the presentation. This is particularly effective for photographs printed on delicate or fiber-based paper, which are susceptible to warping or surface abrasion when framed flat under glass.
For this project, we used archival float mounting on acid-free, museum-quality boards. We applied reversible mulberry paper hinges, which allow the artwork to expand and contract with changes in humidity, preventing damage over time. These Japanese paper hinges are a conservation gold standard and are preferred by museums and institutions worldwide for their gentle, non-invasive properties.
The custom shadow box itself was crafted from museum-grade wood, with deep archival spacers and a hand-applied finish tailored to suit the tonal qualities of the black-and-white photograph. This depth allows the artwork to "breathe" visually and physically, resulting in a timeless display.
Conservation-Grade Glazing for Archival Photo Framing
To ensure maximum protection, we used Optium Museum Acrylic, which offers 99% UV filtration, anti-reflective clarity, and impact resistance. This glazing is a top choice for institutions because it balances safety, weight, and visibility—ideal for both gallery presentation and transportation.
Unlike traditional glass, Optium Museum Acrylic is far less likely to crack or shatter, making it safer for high-value artworks and irreplaceable photographs like this one. It also dramatically reduces glare, so viewers can appreciate the artwork without distraction, regardless of lighting conditions.
Museum-Grade Materials and Craftsmanship
Our lead technician, Antonio, began the float-mounting process by preparing the mounting board with mulberry paper hinges and archival paste. Every component of this build was acid-free, reversible, and selected for longevity. The frame’s structural integrity was reinforced with archival-grade spacers, keeping the artwork safely distanced from the glazing and reducing exposure to environmental stressors.
The photograph now appears suspended inside the frame, creating a feeling of reverence and depth. The result is more than just framing—it’s a conservation-grade presentation that will last for generations.
Alex Harsley: A Visionary in American Photography
Photographer Alex Harsley, self-portrait
Alex Harsley is a cornerstone in the world of photography, particularly for Black artists in New York. In 1959, he became the first African American photographer hired by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, but his artistic vision soon outgrew institutional documentation. He began capturing civil rights protests, everyday city life, and pivotal cultural figures—including Muhammad Ali—with an unparalleled sensitivity and honesty.
In 1973, he founded Minority Photographers, Inc. and launched the 4th Street Photo Gallery, a legendary Lower East Side artist-run space that served as an incubator for emerging photographers and creatives. The gallery has hosted everything from jazz salons to late-night critique sessions and remains a hub for community-based art practice.
His archive is rich with portraits of legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat, John Coltrane, and Sun Ra—each image telling a story of a cultural moment. His portraits of Ali capture the boxer’s charisma and vulnerability in equal measure, cementing Harsley’s place in the canon of American photographic history.
Global Exhibitions and Enduring Legacy
The Ali series, including “I Am the Greatest”, has been exhibited globally. Prestigious venues such as the Torch Gallery in Amsterdam and the June Kelly Gallery in SoHo, NYC, have featured Harsley’s work. His photographs continue to draw attention from curators, collectors, and art historians, reinforcing his role as a storyteller of Black American experience through photography.
Framing this piece for the Ford Foundation isn’t just a service—it’s a contribution to preserving this legacy. It allows new audiences to engage with the powerful presence of Ali as captured through Harsley’s lens.
How Archival Framing Becomes Part of the Narrative
When done properly, archival framing doesn’t just protect the work—it enhances the story. The depth of the shadow box, the clarity of the glazing, and the precision of the mounting all contribute to how the artwork is perceived and experienced.
For this particular piece, the photograph seems to float within its frame, untethered and full of energy—much like Ali himself. The presentation feels monumental, almost like a shrine. It becomes a physical space for reflection, remembrance, and admiration.
Why Choose Frames & Stretchers for Archival Photo Framing in NYC
At Frames & Stretchers, we specialize in custom archival framing for fine art, photography, textiles, memorabilia, and more. We use only museum-grade materials, from UV-protective acrylic to acid-free boards and reversible mounting adhesives. Whether we’re building a welded steel frame for a contemporary artist or a closed-corner gilded frame for a historic painting, every piece we handle is treated with the utmost care.
We proudly serve:
- Museums and cultural foundations
- Art galleries and interior designers
- Private collectors and working artists
Our services include:
- Custom shadow box framing in NYC and Miami
- Canvas stretching with gallery wrap technique
- Art installation and delivery throughout NYC
- Plexi boxes for 3D works and objects
- Welded metal and closed-corner framing
Serving Art Communities in NYC and Miami
Frames & Stretchers operates out of two thriving art neighborhoods: the Lower East Side in Manhattan and Little River in Miami. We work closely with each client, offering personalized consultations to help design the perfect framing solution.
We believe that framing is a collaboration. Whether you're framing a $100,000 vintage photograph or an experimental piece from your latest show, our team brings the same attention to detail, creativity, and archival discipline to every project.
Preserve What Matters with Museum-Quality Framing
Archival framing is more than a finishing touch—it’s a crucial investment in your art’s longevity. Whether you’re preserving a signed print, a family heirloom, or an internationally exhibited photograph, Frames & Stretchers provides the expertise and materials to protect it with elegance and integrity.
Request a Custom Framing Quote Today
Want to frame something meaningful with care and precision? Contact us for a custom quote or stop by our NYC or Miami studios for a one-on-one consultation. Let’s frame what matters—together.
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