Can I pop in without an appointment?
Yes but I probably won’t be able to discuss your project. I can book you in for an appointment though, answer questions about what I can and can’t do, etc. Please understand that I work on my own at the shop. Picking a frame can take time and this is the best way of making room for you and other customers. I also need blocks of time to work on frames and run the business.
Can you give me an estimate of cost over the phone or by email?
I use a wide range of techniques, materials and a ton of creativity, so that you and I can personalise your project as much as possible, within your budget.
The ‘Inspiration’ galleries on the site will give you an idea of the thousands of combinations available to us. You will have to explain to me your preferences, often through a process of elimination first, then elaboration.
And I need to see your artwork as the medium dictates what materials we use.
Without you and your item, it’s just guesswork. All I can do is give you a ‘most customers spend £x’ on a similar project. But that’s often not helpful.
Can you deliver my frame?
Please arrange a courier that you are happy with and liaise with me for collection times etc. I can’t accept liability for damage during transportation although I will wrap your work in order to protect it.
Can you help fixing my frame to the wall?
Some frames are heavy. In the case of a series, you may want them precisely spaced, which can take time. I have worked with two specialist picture hanging companies for years. They will take care of the transport and hang your frames as per your requirements.
Can you restore my artwork?
No. Restoration is a very specialist line of work. I can put you in touch with people I trust and have worked with before.
Do you repair frames and replace glass?
I don’t repair frames and I don’t customise mass produced frames. It’s just not what Kew Frame does.
For replacing glass, disassembling a damaged frame can sometimes cause more damage if the frame is not well constructed or too flimsy. It can be a rabbit hole. I need to see it first.
For existing customers I will repair frames I made for them that have been accidentally damaged (e.g. broken glass during a house move).
Do you sell artwork?
Yes I do sell some artwork. I see a lot of artwork, both here and in galleries. Sometimes I will stock them in the shop.
I have also been creating and selling my own artwork for a number of years. I don’t promote it elsewhere as I don’t have the time. Pop in and have a look.
Can you stretch my canvas?
Yes, I can stretch canvas and have a number of stretcher options, all made to measure and which I order in to suit. Stretchers are vitally important. They need to last and they need to allow for adjusting the tension over time. There are some very cheap, low quality stretchers out there. I recommend you avoid those.
Is my artwork insured by Kew Frame?
This is important. Any gallery, picture framer, restorer or transporter will tell you that you should ALWAYS insure the item yourself. If you have specialist or home contents insurance for your artwork, contact your insurer to make sure it is insured outside of your home too.
Kew Frame has liability insurance but please keep in mind that, with craftwork , there is always the risk that something unexpected happens. This is particularly the case where items have been previously damaged, have unseen faults, have been badly restored/repaired, or are just very fragile for whatever reason.
As far as I can remember, I have not had any accidents.
I will do my best to inspect the artwork but it’s important that you show me any faults, damage or fragilities in your artwork.