SCHOLARS REVISITED The Larson-Juhl scholarship scheme was launched back in April 2016 as part of the business’s commitment to supporting the framing industry and investing in future talent. The programme is aimed at existing framers who already own – or are hoping to own – their own business and the winners benefit from the GCF(APF) examination and examiner’s fee, GCF(APF) study guide, and free access for one year to selected seminars, study days with Advanced GCFs and workshops held by the Fine Art Trade Guild. 4walls spoke to four former winners to see how they have thrived: Jonathan Birch (Dovetail Framing), Jilly Higton (Dandelion Picture Framing), Harriet ‘Beanie’ Wallington (8 Bells Gallery) and Justin George (George the Framer). To find out more about the Scholarship scheme, go to the Fine Art Trade Guild website fineart.co.uk
Jonathan Birch
Jonathan Birch Jonathan Birch of Dovetail Framing was one of the first scholarship winners – and he has been reaping the benefits ever since. When he started his business, he joined the Guild straightaway. His commitment to working to the highest standards then led to a desire to get qualified, and his application to the scholarship scheme. Today, Dovetail Framing is enjoying a very buoyant sales period and Jonathan told 4walls: “I am not only seeing an increase in demand for framing but also a willingness to pay for quality. Many of my customers are now looking to frame and preserve valuable artwork and they want these items treated properly with top quality framing. Where the Guild qualification comes in, is that customers are unlikely to understand the intricacies of framing, but they do understand professional quality standards and guarantees.” Interestingly, Jonathan is also noticing an increasing consumer awareness around sustainability. Especially with regard to where products come from and the type/amount of packaging. Despite now being a highly experienced framer, Jonathan still finds the Guild’s technical support incredibly useful and feels that his membership helps with driving and converting sales enquiries. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @dovetailframing dovetailframing.co.uk
Jonathan is a big fan of Larson-Juhl’s mountboard. “There is a great range of colours. The cutting quality is excellent. And stock levels are great. There is never a problem with availability.”
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