Guild Certified Framer

What is a Guild Certified Framer?

Since 1994, the Commended Framer scheme served as a benchmark within the industry for recognising Professional Framers. However in 2015, the Fine Art Trade Guild introduced an updated scheme which brought the qualification into line with most other professions. A Guild Certified Framer must commit to CPD (Continual Professional Development), and recertification takes place every four years. Working with a Guild Certified Framer will now guarantee you that the framer is up to date with current industry standards and practice, and also that they are a current member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, and subscribe to the Guild’s Code of Ethics.

The Commended Framer qualification is no longer current, promoted or supported by the Guild, and has been replaced internationally by the Guild Certified Framer qualification.

Guild Certified Framers have been awarded an emblem of excellence by the art and framing industry’s trade association, the Fine Art Trade Guild. They are entitled to use the designation GCF(APF), but only for as long as they remain up to date with CPD, and remain a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, the issuing authority.

Their skills, both practical and theoretical have been examined in person by a Guild Tester in a rigorous two hour test. The aim of the Certified Framer scheme is to help the public select a qualified professional framer who will apply a high level of expertise to the conservation and display of their artwork.

Guild Certified Framers are competent to give up to date advice on technical and conservation matters, as well as design and presentation, while keeping to a budget. Guild Certified Framer is the UK’s only recognised framing qualification.

Advanced Qualifications

As well as the base qualification, there are three advanced modules which cover Conservation Framing, Textile Framing and Mount Design and Function. Each of these disciplines is subject to a three and a half hour in depth examination.
We are one of very few workshops who have achieved Advanced Qualifications in all three disciplines, and one of even fewer where every framer is qualified to Advanced level. Ian Kenny GCF(APF) Adv. has been the Guild’s examiner in Scotland since 1999.

At Ian Kenny Framing, the only people who will frame your work are:
Ian Kenny GCF(APF) Adv.
Andrew McLaren GCF(APF) Adv.

We are available for you to discuss the best way to present and conserve your artwork for the future.

What is the Fine Art Trade Guild?

The Fine Art Trade Guild was formed in 1910 as the successor to the 1847 Printsellers’ Association, set up to oversee the fine art print trade. The Guild continues to set standards for prints. In addition, it sets standards and guidelines for picture framing.

We are proud to be a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, and have been since 1990. The Fine Art Trade Guild sets and maintains industry standards for the benefit of Members and their customers. As a member, we adhere voluntarily to the Guild’s Code of Ethics.

We promise to:

Observe the highest standards of integrity in all transactions.
Protect the interests of our clients.
Avoid the use of false, confusing, inaccurate or misleading terms, descriptions and claims.
Make every effort to reach an amicable and speedy solution in the event of a dispute with a client.
Maintain adequate insurance protection to suit our business and clients’ needs.

Represent ourself as a member of the Guild only whilst we are a current member.
Maintain and enhance the reputation, standing and good name of the Guild and its membership.
Contribute to the advancement of the profession through development and support of Guild standards, the education of fellow members and consumers.
Recognise the authority of the Guild in all matters relating to the interpretation of this code of ethics.

What is a Guild Certified Framer?

Advanced Qualifications

What is the Fine Art Trade Guild?

We promise to:

Observe the highest standards of integrity in all transactions.

Protect the interests of our clients.

Avoid the use of false, confusing, inaccurate or misleading terms, descriptions and claims.

Make every effort to reach an amicable and speedy solution in the event of a dispute with a client.

Maintain adequate insurance protection to suit our business and clients’ needs.

Represent ourself as a member of the Guild only whilst we are a current member.

Maintain and enhance the reputation, standing and good name of the Guild and its membership.

Contribute to the advancement of the profession through development and support of Guild standards, the education of fellow members and consumers.

Recognise the authority of the Guild in all matters relating to the interpretation of this code of ethics.