Picture Framing Course

 

Tutor: Cal Smith
Course Dates: Based on interest, get in touch below
Number of students: 1-2
Number of days: Courses are entirely tailored to suit the individual needs of students
Experience level: All levels, from beginner to professional

Courses have resumed in our new studio in the lovely riverside town of Wivenhoe, Essex (1h direct train from London). The photos below are from our old studio in London.

Get in touch to enquire!

 
 

During this picture framing course you will be learning how to make attractive conservation-grade frames to display a work of art of your choice. Since most standard frames and artwork mounting methods cause damage to the artwork on display, you will gain an understanding of how to create frames that avoid many of these issues.

Students leave with the picture frame(s) that they have made.

 

Student learning to join a reinforcing subframe with a professional underpinner

 

Student cutting slots for the frame joints with handsaws

 
 
 

Aims

  • Learn how to mix Japanese wheat starch paste and work with fine Japanese papers to conservation-mount an artwork in the correct way.

  • Make one or several frames using conservation-grade materials and methods in order to slow artwork deterioration whilst on display

  • Learn how to use hand tools and professional framing equipment to cut and join your frame components

  • Experiment with different wood finishes and select what type of finish you would like to use on your completed frame.

 
 

FAQ

  • This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the tutor as they wish. Cal also offers specialist courses to picture framing professionals upon request.

  • This depends on your needs. Normally, students bring a small to medium sized artwork on paper (A3 at the largest) to mount using conservation methods and then frame. This could be a sketch, a watercolour, an art print or even a special historic family photograph. Students will also need to bring a notebook and pen.

  • Cal Smith is a specialist conservation grade framer with nearly 20 years of experience as a maker and designer. He has studied Fine Art and holds a BSc in the Conservation of Decorative Surfaces from London Metropolitan University.

    An experienced and patient tutor, he has tought picture framing at the School of Stuff and at his own studio.

  • The professional picture framing studio is located in Wivenhoe, Essex. We will be using a mixture of traditional hand tools and professional equipment. Alternatives tools and methods will be discussed that are suitable for home picture framing and all skills acquired will be transferable to a home environment.

  • Please use the contact form below to explain a bit about your profile and specific needs, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a quote. Course fees vary according to the number of days, the number of students and the level of expertise involved.

  • Tuition days normally run 10am-4pm with a break for lunch. Groups will not involve more than 2 students to ensure plenty of tuition time is given to each. The course fee includes materials for the frame.

 
 
 

Course dates are based on interest so get in touch!

 
 
 

Student gallery