What do we do?
The Fine Art Trade Guild was formed in 1910 as the successor to the 1847 Printsellers’ Association, set up to oversee the fine art print trade. The Guild continues to set standards for prints. In addition, it sets standards and guidelines for picture framing.
Want to know more? Go to Guild History
Standards, Training and Qualifications
The Fine Art Trade Guild’s Five Levels of Framing extend from Museum Level for preservation of the most valuable items, to a basic Budget Level for framing items such as posters. The framing levels were designed to help framers advise customers on the most appropriate methods and materials for framing and mounting their art and memorabilia.
Framers can demonstrate their knowledge and expertise by passing exams to become a Guild Commended Framer (GCF). Specialist framers can extend their qualification to achieve the status of an Advanced Guild Commended Framer in any of three modules: textile framing, decorative mount cutting and conservation framing. You can search our member directory to find framers, qualified framers(GCF) and specialist framers (GCF Advanced.) as well as accredited framing trainers
Want to know more? Go to Standards, Training and Qualifications
Awards and Events
Our new Meet Learn Celebrate festival of art and framing provides training and seminars, a mini trade event and our dazzling art and framing industry awards event in one action packed weekend.
Go to Meet Learn Celebrate
Artists can submit works for our online exhibition and add their shows to our News and Events home page listing, as well as creating their own gallery in the Directory showcases.
Find Guild member Artists
Premier Trade Magazine
Art Business Today magazine keeps readers abreast of new developments by commissioning relevant commercial and technical articles on a wide range of art and framing subjects. The Guild also provides continuous professional development opportunities. Our active Branch network allows members to choose relevant topics of mutual interest for a lecture or demonstration, followed by discussion with colleagues in the industry.
Take me to Art BusinessToday
Information and Advice
Confidential technical framing advice is available from GCF colleagues, many of whom have the advanced qualifications that are the mark of an expert. The Guild’s own Information Line and the free Legal Advice Line provide answers to thousands of member queries each year.
All Fine Art Trade Guild members agree to stand by the Guild’s Code of Ethics, designed to offer the public and trade a professional service. Our logo is internationally recognised as a sign of commitment to this code: you can rely on Guild members to provide a quality service.
Looking to buy art, prints and framing? Search the Guild member directory to find products and services in your area; our News and Events listings give details of exhibitions and studio events. There’s lots of advice on buying and commissioning art, prints and bespoke framing as well.
In the trade? Browse the site to find out more about standards and qualifications and more about the Guild. Why not join the Guild today and enjoy the benefits of Membership?
Why do we do it?
In summary, the aims of the Fine Art Trade Guild are:
1. To promote the consideration and discussion of all questions affecting the trade in fine art pictures, picture framing, picture restoration and artists' materials and, to develop and pursue policies which will promote and protect the interests of the trade.
2. To promote excellence and just and honourable practice in the conduct of business and to promote and enforce a code of ethics, with appropriate levels of arbitration to settle disputes.
3. To originate and promote improvements in laws and statutory administration affecting the industry.
4. To improve the technical and general knowledge of those engaged or about to engage in the industry, assisting with or promoting training and relevant qualifications.
5. To promote the commercial interests of its members.
6. To educate and inform the trade, wider business and consumers on all matters affecting the industry.
7. To establish or co-operate with others to establish associations with similar objects to those of the Fine Art Trade Guild and to work in close association with them.
8. To provide facilities for social contact between members of the Guild and its associates, and their friends.
