Paving the way for sustainable art

Abstract House, based in Isleworth, West London is a designer manufacturer of original art and picture frames. The company, now celebrating its 8th year in business, caters to art lovers and interior designers for private residential and commercial spaces.

Their latest projects include creating the art for TikTok’s new headquarters, framing branded photographs for AVIVA, as well as artwork for recently renovated luxury spa Champney’s Mottram Hall and The Landmark Hotel.

Founder Omar Obaid always had a passion for art, but his studies in Computer Science took him on a different path through IT and technology, formerly working for The New York Times in their London office. After moving to Southfields, West London with his wife Summer, who persuaded him to revisit his passion, Omar created original paintings for their home. Following a few dinner parties, friends and family began requesting commissions and the rest was history.

The couple founded Abstract House, and sustainability has always been at the core of their business since learning about the impact of single-use plastic on the environment. In fact, 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped in our ocean’s every year (Source: WWF).

Abstract House believed that they had to find a way to improve this and create a change in the industry. By investing in technology and infrastructure, research followed into sustainable materials and packaging, and the business launched its in-house framing facility to create premium, sustainable frames made from glass, and not plastic.

The company joined the esteemed Fine Art Trade Guild celebrating excellence in framing, and every artwork is designed, crafted and framed in-house by their passionate team. By focusing on continuous improvement, in 2019, Abstract House became the first gallery to ship their premium art and glass frames without any plastic, and using 100% recyclable packaging.

“Our customers’ tell us how much they love unboxing their new artwork and frames, and can simply put their packaging in their recycling to be repurposed. Our ambitions of creating art that’s good for you, and the planet too, came to life” says Omar Obaid.

The business launched their annual Environmental Impact Report in 2023 to bring together their plans, ambitions and successes for reducing impact and documenting their journey to carbon neutrality. The business will also launch an Eco Day in 2025, enabling their staff to participate in green projects of their choice with a paid days leave.

Abstract House are supportive Chamber members and hosted West London Chambers drinks event, last November to promote the Hounslow Business First programme.