Guidance from the Guild

Ian Kenny GCF(APF) Adv, Master’s Warden, Alistair Gray and Jo Palmer GCF(APF) Adv, Chair & Master of the Guild.

Since 1910 the Fine Art Trade Guild has been the trade association for the art and framing industry. The statement “encouraging and promoting the best in art and framing” is at the heart of what we do. But what does that mean for those of us who work as framers? In other words, and with apologies to Monty Python “What has the Fine Art Trade Guild ever done for us?”

27 years ago, working framers in the Guild created the internationally recognised GCF Study Guide and GCF qualification, but the process didn’t stop there. It was refined over time, and has now been upgraded to the Guild Certified Framer, with a professionally recognised CPD programme, and a recertification process every four years. For framers wanting to show further depth of knowledge and specialisation there are three Advanced level qualifications too: Mount Design and Function, Conservation or Textile Framing.

The Guild’s five levels of framing were designed to work across the spectrum. As relevant for those working in commercial framing as they are for those offering a fully bespoke service. For over 20 years the Guild Mountboard Standards have been an essential tool, enabling framers to purchase boards with confidence where we see the Guild scheme logo displayed. At the moment plans for face-to-face gatherings in 2021 have to be flexible – we are hopeful that our Guild Weekend in May can still go ahead. However, the virtual gatherings on Zoom for the Larson-Juhl sponsored Guild Round Table events will be continuing. Previously hosted around the UK and Ireland, they moved to a virtual setting in 2020 and sparked some very lively and interesting discussions. The Round Table events allow those of us working in this industry – members and nonmembers - to chat through a variety of topics and offer problem solving hints and tips. If you would like to get involved then please do speak to your Larson-Juhl area representative.

Our Guild is uniquely member owned and member run, with volunteers from across all aspects of the art and framing industry coming together to work on behalf of all members. We are proud to be an organisation that for over 110 years has been helping and supporting the art and framing industry. Writing and upholding standards, programmes and qualifications. Our Guild has a history to be proud of and a future ready for us to develop for the benefit of our members and the wider industry. Jo Palmer GCF(APF) Adv, Chair & Master of the Guild.

The GCF Scholarship programme has been sponsored by Larson-Juhl for the past five years. The Scholarship enables four framers each year to take advantage of subsidised education opportunities – including at the Guild Weekend framing workshops in May – study material, training with a Guild Accredited Trainer and the GCF exam itself. The next round of applications will open in April, 2021. The Guild continually evolves – as all good businesses should. Which is why the 2021 Study Guide includes information about the four new mountboard standards and the four new levels of framing. The clear and easy to remember 4x4 message. The mountboard standards are now in the transition period, with full compliance by suppliers and manufacturers from 1st January 2024, so you will start to see the new board levels coming through soon.