The Work of Art Centre

For over 35 years in the small village of Kelty in Fife an independent framers and gallery has been creating bespoke frames for clients in Fife and further afield – with many loyal clients from Perthshire to the Borders and from Lothian to the Highlands and islands.

The Art Centre on Main Street is run by Staig MacCallum, who has been a picture framer since 1987, and working alongside him is Jason Nellies – a childhood friend who had a change in career which gave him the opportunity to learn the trade using the expertise that Staig has gained in his 30 plus years in the business.

With this focus on expertise, their truly bespoke framing service approach continues to attract varied clientele with treasured artworks, select fine art prints and unusual 3D items.

In the past few years, we have all lived in extraordinary times, but The Art Centre counts itself very fortunate to still be receiving consistently good and rewarding commissions from customers old and new.

Staig says: “Coming out of both lockdowns we were rushed off our feet again. I think as people spent a lot more time at home they looked to enhance their living areas with more personal pieces and invested in having more unique framed work on their walls that was more

reflective of their own personality and lifestyles. Post lockdown seemed to rejuvenate a lot of folk – and those looking for a lift or pick-me-up rushed to get their favourite pieces of art lovingly framed and up on the wall.

Perfectly presented work of art

“Customers regularly tell us that a perfectly presented work can create a unique focal point and change the whole look of any room and I think because people haven’t been going out as much, they’re still prepared to pay well for a centrepiece that both cheers them up and impresses visiting family and friends.”

Fine art is obviously in their DNA – local businessman John Dodds who initially opened The Art Centre was a renowned painter and long-time president of many local art groups. Staig started his framing career working for John on leaving school at 16; they were both then joined by John’s son Peter, who took over the business when John retired until selling the business to Staig in 2019.

A large proportion of business still comes from open and limited-edition prints, alongside personal and professional photographs and memorabilia set off in top quality Larson-Juhl mouldings and mountboards.

The Art Centre sources extensively from leading publisher Edinburgh Arts (run by Larson-Juhl friend Steven Smith, who has featured twice before in 4walls – providing front covers by Scott Naismith and Matylda Konecka respectively for Issues 31 and 36).

They have many professional artists as clients and the pleasure of framing an eclectic mixture of contemporary and traditional images from leading regional talent like Sonas MacLean, Derek Robertson, Audrey Slorance and Archie Dunbar Mcintosh – who all favour the professional aesthetics and craftmanship of the Larson-Juhl range.

Staig adds: “The Coastal and Lincoln collections are particularly popular amongst the artists, who still like the classic black/white look, but also the washed wood effect when something more modern and colourful is required for added impact.

Framing almost anything

“But with our reputation for being able to frame almost anything, we also cater for and enjoy the more unusual requests – like a 1.5 metre kimono, full length wedding dresses, World War II medals and even a set of antique kitchen utensils. Fine Art Trade Guild Commendation along with word-of-mouth recommendation obviously goes a long way for The Art Centre, but they have recently ventured into the realms of social media via Facebook and the increasingly influential visual platform, Instagram.

Staig at work

Convenience of online ordering

Staig is working on updating the website to reflect the changes that have gone on within the business and so customers can see more of the bespoke service they offer. He especially rates the online ordering convenience of the Larson-Juhl site, which he says is simplicity itself to navigate and hugely convenient for keeping abreast of stock numbers and delivery timeframes.

THE (WORK OF) ART CENTRE

“We have a real mix of customers, from serious art connoisseurs to those new to the creative world.”

“Two times 24 Hours of Le Mans race winner and Aston Martin driver, Jonathan Adam, is a local lad and we had an enjoyable challenge of recently framing up two of his racing suits, which looked amazing once the framing was completed. We haven’t refused a framing request yet and even had a set of false teeth handed in to be framed in the shop last year.”

When you’ve got your business formula and partnerships down to a work of ART, there’s little wonder you’re the CENTRE of attention.

www.theartcentre.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheArtCentreKelty