Mr. Ashton
Mr. Ashton, the celebrated frame-maker of South Audley Street, is a minor but functionally crucial figure in Dorian Gray's life, appearing at a pivotal moment to assist in the physical concealment of the magical portrait. A florid, red-whiskered little man, his admiration for art is considerably tempered by the inveterate impecuniosity of most of the artists who deal with him. As a rule, he never leaves his shop, waiting for people to come to him, but he always makes an exception in favor of Dorian Gray, for there is something about Dorian that charms everybody. It is a pleasure even to see him.
Role in the Concealment of the Portrait
Mr. Ashton's most significant action occurs when Dorian, desperate to hide the portrait after its first change, summons him to the house. Dorian sends his servant to the frame-maker's to ask him to send two of his men round at once, but Mr. Ashton does him the honor of coming round in person. He arrives with a somewhat rough-looking young assistant, rubbing his fat freckled hands, and immediately offers his services, mentioning that he has just acquired a beauty of a frame, an old Florentine piece from Fonthill, admirably suited for a religious picture. Dorian, however, declines the offer of a frame and instead asks only for the picture to be carried to the top of the house, as it is rather heavy. Mr. Ashton, delighted to be of any service, begins with the aid of his assistant to unhook the picture from the long brass chains by which it is suspended. The elaborate character of the frame has made the picture extremely bulky, and now and then, in spite of the obsequious protests of Mr. Ashton, who has a true tradesman's dislike of seeing a gentleman doing anything useful, Dorian puts his hand to it so as to help them. They ascend the front staircase, and when they reach the top landing, Mr. Ashton gasps, "Something of a load to carry, sir," and wipes his shiny forehead. Dorian unlocks the door that opens into the room that is to keep for him the curious secret of his life and hide his soul from the eyes of men.
Moment of Potential Discovery
Once inside the dusty, long-unused room, Mr. Ashton asks where to put the picture, and Dorian tells him anywhere, just to lean it against the wall. The frame-maker then makes a request that nearly undoes Dorian's composure: "Might one look at the work of art, sir?" Dorian starts, keeping his eye on the man, feeling ready to leap upon him and fling him to the ground if he dares to lift the gorgeous hanging that conceals the secret of his life. He refuses the request, saying it would not interest Mr. Ashton, and dismisses him, expressing his obligation for the kindness in coming round. Mr. Ashton tramps downstairs, followed by the assistant, who glances back at Dorian with a look of shy wonder in his rough, uncomely face, having never seen anyone so marvellous. Mr. Ashton thus leaves without ever knowing that he has just handled the central artifact of a supernatural bargain, his professional curiosity narrowly thwarted by Dorian's terror.
