A Legacy in Frames: The Evolution of The Picture Place
The story begins in 1967, amidst a revolution of art and culture. A visionary named A.J. Weiner laid the foundation, launching the shop as “Art Centers of New England.” In those early days, it wasn't just a store—it was a hub for a region discovering a new passion for preserving its visual history.
For thirteen years, Weiner built a reputation for excellence, but in 1980, a new chapter began. Robert Granquist took the helm, fueled by a desire to sharpen the shop’s identity. He rebranded the business as “The Picture Place,” turning it into a local landmark known for precision, craftsmanship, and the belief that every piece of art deserves its perfect match.
Robert steered the ship through thirty-four years of changing styles and technologies, ensuring the shop remained a staple of the community. Then, in 2014, the torch was passed once more. Thomas Coppi stepped in, bringing a fresh wave of energy and modern expertise to the storied workbench.
Today, The Picture Place stands as a rare breed of business: a three-generation 60 year legacy of craftsmanship where the tools have changed, but the mission remains exactly the same—honoring your memories by giving them a home that lasts a lifetime.
Our early 2000’s logo was colorful and inviting.
Our 2026 logo features the majestic owl—a tribute to the wisdom and curiosity that drives everything we do.
We are a Proud member of The Coolidge Corner Merchants Association
About Coolidge Corner
Our Neighborhood
A hub for dining, shopping, events, and nightlife on the edge of Boston in downtown Brookline: Coolidge Corner is a vibrant, one-stop-shop location just off the C line on the MBTA.
Our History
Coolidge Corner has been welcoming shoppers for more than 150 years. The neighborhood takes its name — originally Coolidge’s Corner — from the Coolidge & Brother store that opened at the corner of Harvard and Beacon Streets in 1857. A grocery and a general store, it was the only commercial business in north Brookline for more than 30 years.
All that changed with the widening of Beacon Street and the coming of the electric streetcar in 1887-88. The landmark S.S. Pierce building that opened in 1898 on the site of the original Coolidge & Brother store was one of many businesses to open in the decade after the widening.
A major new shopping district took root in the growing neighborhood over the next few decades, serving shoppers from near and far. Businesses have continued to change with the times, but Coolidge Corner — where almost all of commercial establishments are in the original buildings constructed between 1890 and 1930 — has continued to thrive.