All training is carried out personally by Mary Evans GCF Advanced, usually on a one-to-one basis, but two students may come if they plan to work together.

Courses are accredited by the Fine Art Trade Guild and even beginners are taught basic techniques suitable for the Guild Commended and Conservation Levels – see Fine Art Trade Guild page.  It is always better to start using good practices than to try to break bad habits later.

Tuition is adapted to suit individual requirements, so that courses can be tailored to a student who already has some framing experience, or wishes to concentrate on a particular aspect of framing.  Choosing equipment and suppliers and setting up a workshop are also covered for those starting from scratch.

Mary offers an email or telephone helpline for 12 months following training.  This has proved particularly useful to students who set up on their own.

Students are encouraged to take the Guild Commended Framer (GCF) qualification which is internationally recognised.   There are also advanced qualifications for experienced framers - see Fine Art Trade Guild page.   These qualifications can be successfully used to promote business.

Beginners – 2 days

Usually 2 days are recommended, and then it is helpful to buy equipment and practice, coming back for more tuition as required.  All students progress at their own pace, but 2 days are usually sufficient to cover the most common framing tasks.                         

£225 a day (no VAT) including framing notes, materials and lunch; £150 a day for second student

GCF Top-Up – 1 day or by the hour    

This course prepares existing framers for the Guild Commended Framer exam, checking materials and procedures, and giving tips for improvement.  It is recommended that framers come at least 2 weeks before they plan to take the exam.

£225 a day or £40 an hour

Advanced Conservation Framing – 1 or 2 days

Designed for students who have already passed the GCF and are planning to take the GCF Advanced Conservation Framing exam.

£225 a day (no VAT) including framing notes, materials and lunch