FATG scholars

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARS!

Each year, Larson-Juhl teams up with the Fine Art Trade Guild to offer scholarships to four lucky framers. The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for new framers, and the package includes a Guild Certified Framer (GCF) study guide, covers the cost of the GCF exam and provides places at Guild workshops, seminars and study days.

A GCF accreditation offers Guild member framers a recognised certification for framing professionals, and helps take their businesses to the next level.

Our two winners from the first round of entries last year were Helen Slater from Hartford Frames, and Joe Doldon from Capstone Framing.

Helen runs Hartford Frames who offer framing for everything from traditional art to football shirts. Joe runs Capstone Framing on his own with 10 years of experience under his belt. His ethos is to serve both the customer and the planet, focusing on both sustainability and creative solutions.

Both winners are delighted to have been selected and have already found the experience very valuable. When asked why she applied in the first place, Helen said: “I was keen to take the GCF certification because I am relatively new to framing and have a lot to learn. I am an eager student and have the enthusiasm to further my education and learn new things! I read articles from previous scholarship winners about their experience and how valuable they found it, so I thought it would be worth throwing my hat in the ring – I never expected to be selected! “A really valuable lesson I’ve learnt is to not suffer in silence. If I’m struggling to find a solution to a framing conundrum there is often someone within the Guild family who’s been there and done that. Everyone is so supportive and willing to share their experience and wisdom. I have found that being part of the scholarship programme has already had a positive impact on my business – I have been able to publicise it and have had some really positive feedback from clients both old and new.”

“I have felt extremely supported by members of the Guild, and am particularly excited to attend a two-day training course provided as part of the scholarship. I have been in regular contact with Ian Kenny who has been really gracious about answering all my questions – he really is a fountain of all framing knowledge!

Helen Slater, Hartford Frames

Joe felt the scholarship would help him take his business to the next level: “I applied for the scholarship primarily because I want to be the best framer that I can be. Despite having 10 years of experience, I’ve never had any formal training and I appreciate that there’s always more to learn in this profession. Since setting up my own framing business just a few months ago, it was the right time to raise the bar, develop new skills and expand my knowledge. Self-employment can be lonely and scary and it’s a nice vote of confidence to know I have somewhere to turn if I’m ever uncertain about anything framing or business related.

“The Guild has been so welcoming, particularly Ian Kenny, who has been very encouraging and complementary. For example, using a Morso guillotine is new to me, so when I was struggling with a technical issue, I called Ian who picked up straight away and helped me resolve the problem on the spot. We have a weekend booked in for some development with Jo Palmer and Ian Kenny at The Framing Lot in Dawlish, which I’m really looking forward to! “I received the Certified Framers study guide within a week of being awarded the scholarship, which is very comprehensive and has already been referenced a number of times. I found the information on mountboard constitution and the different grades available particularly interesting.

“I hope it will have a positive impact on my business. I believe it will instill a confidence in potential clients that I handle work sensitively, and can offer appropriate, relevant guidance on best framing practices. On the flip side, it will also give me the confidence to approach artists and galleries knowing that I am well equipped to meet their needs.”

Congratulations to both Helen and Joe for being selected – we are excited to see where this opportunity takes them!

Joe Doldon, Capstone Framing