'Should I or shouldn'd I?'

[Merlin]

because i feel the Fine Art Trade Guild is no longer representative of the average framer.

You have hit the nail on the head there Grahame. That is why there are more GCF's who are no longer members than there are GCF's who are still members.

Very sad really when the majority of this trade is made up of 'Mom & Pop' - Husband & Wife - Partners - Solo Framer setups who could well do with the help and support of a governing body.

[framemaker]

Daisy,
going back to your question, my opinion is that the GCF test is a positive thing for you to do, even it is just for your own satisfaction in passing. When you pass you should be able to get some free PR and a photo in your local press, and people will look at the certificate in your shop and see that you have taken and passed a qualification for what you do (even if they have no idea who the Fine Art Trade Guild are). But why stop there, be one of the few framers in the UK to take the CPF exam too and get even more PR from that.

I have not taken either test and to be honest I doubt I ever will, but I am keen for people who work for me to work towards taking the test.

I do like JGF1's idea of a separate part of the Guild being for picture framers, and an updated logo etc, but I can't see it happening, especially now the PPFA are increasing their activities in the UK. I can only see more people joining them (even if its for no other reason than the name has 'picture' and 'framers' in it)

I have considered whether joining the Guild of Master Craftsmen is more relevant to my business, the image of this Guild is well known and respected amongst the public, joining is a much more selective process, requiring a substantial portfolio , workshop inspections, interview, and clients you work for are contacted to answer a questionnaire.

The vast majority of framers that are members and non members of the FATG undoubtedly have a great love and passion for what they do, it is after all a fantastic and enjoyable business to be in and I do think it is a real sad state of affairs that so many people are unhappy with the guild and their representation of normal framers.

I just hope people are taking notice of these strong views and working towards changing for the benefit of all framers!

[Moglet]

Daisy ... people will look at the certificate in your shop and see that you have taken and passed a qualification for what you do ...

As long as you're a current FATG member, of course!

(Just had a picture in my mind of being a customer in a frameshop, and seeing a GCF certificate on the wall with a Post-it note stuck on the glass to cover the logo...)

[daisy]

Hi All,

I have been reading with GREAT interest all your replies. Firstly I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to join the debate. What a wonderful site for getting instant feedback.

Overall I think that further studying and gaining further qualifications can only but enhance anyone's career. As for being a member of the Guild, well, I was a qualified Nurse before I became a picture framer and I had to pay annual membership to Nursing Council UK to maintain my registration.(I got to wear a badge if I wanted!!!!) Otherwise I would have been unable to work. My husband is an Engineer and he has to pay annually to 2 professional boards. However, especially in nursing you did receive free study days to help keep you updated and received monthly newsletters etc.This leads me on to my next question - Can anyone tell me what the annual membership costs are and what do you get for this (besides being able to display logo)?


Many thanks again Daisy

[Moglet]

... I was a qualified Nurse ... and I had to pay annual membership to Nursing Council UK to maintain my registration.(I got to wear a badge if I wanted!!!!)

Like your style, Daisy!

... Can anyone tell me what the annual membership costs are and what do you get for this (besides being able to display logo)?

Not a lot, it appears...

On a serious note, if you contact the FATG, they will send you out a membership information package that covers what is offered for the membership fee.

[Roboframer]

Can anyone tell me what the annual membership costs are and what do you get for this (besides being able to display logo)?

Well I ceased being a member in 2001 for a few reasons - nothing I was 'mad' about or anything. But one reason was that I received nothing through my letterbox that was unavailable to a non-member, bar the accounts, invites to my nearest branch meetings, which were/are too far away and the opportunity to vote for my favourite suppliers and artists - think that was about it. Free legal advice and deals on insurance and card payments were other things, but as has been mentioned, they can be easily equalled or beaten and that sort of thing is not what I'm looking for - I'm looking for things that make me better at what I do, regards both physical framing and running a business - the Grumble and this place did that for me and continues to.

Thing was though, I was a totally passive FATG member; maybe if I'd spent as much time getting stuck in with them as I have here and on The Grumble, well, who knows!

(They'd probably've thrown me out!)

[Moglet]

I'm looking for things that make me better at what I do, regards both physical framing and running a business - the Grumble and this place did that for me and continues to.

Heartily seconded!

I think that it's a good thing that the Guild defined certain framing standards (many of which are below my particular absolute minima, btw), but I think that The Forum and The Grumble do much, much more to improve the implementation of defined standards from a framing perspective.

I do think that the Guild have a role to play in terms of defining specifications for framing materials, particularly for those that come into direct contact with the item being framed, and the work they have done with manufacturers to enable us to use better quality materials in the execution of our work is to be commended.