The Framers Forum

Hmm - interesting to hear about the PPFA starting to canvas (excuse the pun) for members in the UK. Everyone, in any line of business, should face competition. Now the FATG has got some, and every framer can make a choice. Does anyone remember the Institute Of British Picture Framing?

Personally, I've a bit of a soft spot for the JGF.

Something that is very interesting is that no USA member of the Forum has, so far, chipped in with any comments on this move by the PPFA. Perhaps some of them might like to tell us more about how things work with the PPFA over there.

All I know is that they have a framing standards test over there, Certified Picture Framer, which, I understand, involves no practical work. Now, I'd love that, for I can pontificate on framing techniques and theory for hours. But I'm not too sure that I could match the essential practical skills which have to be shown by framers to pass the GCF test.

Martin Harrold wrote:
All I know is that they have a framing standards test over there, Certified Picture Framer, which, I understand, involves no practical work. Now, I'd love that, for I can pontificate on framing techniques and theory for hours. But I'm not too sure that I could match the essential practical skills which have to be shown by framers to pass the GCF test.

So do it then Martin - pontificate right here!

Apart from the accreditation, the PPFA has other things going on that the FATG does not have - like a live forum and a members only newsletter.

Can we get almost instant replies from the likes of Martin Tracey or Pete Bingham on a trade forum? Nope!

Can we, in return for our subscription to the FATG, get anything through our letterboxes unavaiable to non-members from the FATG? Nope!

I can take this topic stateside (TFG) if you like - where I'm sure feedback will be given by their Martin Tracey/Pete Bingham equivalents.

Actually 'equivalent' is not the right word!

Not sure it's worth joining at the moment. The membership year runs from October 1st till September 30th so joining now would, presumably, only qualify for 6 weeks' membership.

CORRECTION!

Just had an email from Nigel. Joining now would mean renewing in Sept 2009.

Sounds like a bargain.

I am a picture framer from Malaysia...For me, GCF exam is better than CPF. GCF test both of your theories knowledge and practical ability. CPF is just like an exam for colleage students. Someone may be not good enough even he passed the CPF exam.
But talking in joining FATG or PPFA, I think I prefer PPFA.
so, apple and orange...which one is better?