Framing Brilliant

Henry Birks

Henry Birks had spent many years working in the corporate world in London but then in 2007, he realised that his interest in art could be more than that just a hobby. Having built up a collection of work by modern British artists (Ruskin Spear is his favourite), Henry and his business partner Ruth Palmer started to trade and before long were in the position where opening a gallery was the natural next step and, therefore, Trent Art Gallery was launched with the aim of bringing Bond Street to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

Since then, the gallery, which is located in Newcastle - has thrived with an impressive portfolio of artists and a professional framing service too.

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Caption: Ghislaine Howard - Self Portrait in Brittany

Framing helps sell paintings!

Indeed, Trent Art’s new chevron display of over 600 mouldings is 90% LarsonJuhl - much to the delight of the 4walls team! Henry’s favourites include Sevilla, Brittany, Lucerne, Dresden and Coastal. There are two very simple reasons why Henry’s investment is such an extensive wall, firstly to offer customers an unrivalled choice and secondly because “Framing helps sell paintings!”

The business enjoys a high level of word of mouth recommendations and Henry is also very proactive with his social media channels, finding that many customers like to communicate through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter these days, as well as WhatsApp.

This challenge is hopefully going to be addressed this month, however, as Trent Art Framing has commissioned a 48-sheet poster to showcase their offer from classic art to memorabilia – with this largest of billboards having a framed border. It will be fascinating to see what impact this giant poster has on footfall. Trent Art currently has a quality range of original Modern British Art in the gallery including important works by Theodore Major, Maurice Wade, Ruskin Spear, Edward Wolfe, Harold Riley and Jack Simcock. Pottery is another specialist area – perhaps not surprising given their location, as is their restoration service. Henry’s team has extensive experience in the expert restoration of oil paintings and works on paper using a range of sympathetic conservation methods to solve most issues. They can clean and repair heavily damaged pieces, regardless of what medium the oil painting is on, whether it’s canvas, board, panel or metal. In respect of watercolour paintings and artworks on paper including etchings, engravings, pastels and pencil drawings they can transform artwork that is torn, punctured, foxed or has mould or insect damage. The team can also return a wide range of works on paper back to their original colours.

Protecting artwork with Museum glass is another priority for Henry and he is a great ambassador for the added benefits that this option brings.

“Getting prospective customers to notice us still requires creativity, though,” Henry told 4walls, “and the general public don’t always know the full spectrum of what we do.”

Sid Kirkham - Nurses in Marais 2 with Clarity glass

Follow Trent Art on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @trentartgallery trent-art.co.uk

What a gift!

Other marketing initiatives include Trent Art gift vouchers - ideal for wedding presents, special birthdays and friends and family moving into a new home. The vouchers can be pre-loaded with any amount from £10-1,000 and can be spent against art or framing or a mix of the two – valid for 12 months.

Passionate about art, Trent Art shows a very broad selection of work to a wide range of customers. The advice that all the gallery’s clients receive is:

1. Buy what you like

2. Buy the best quality you can afford

3. Always remember a good picture is a good picture regardless of trends or fashion.

Trent Art Gallery is proud to be a member of the Own Art Scheme, helping to make art more affordable.