Barry Leveton GCF Advanced

In 1999 Barry Leveton GCF Advanced was awarded an honorary membership of the Fine Art Trade Guild for his tireless work in the development of the Guild Commended Framer (GCF) programme, and his wisdom and support during the development of many of the Guild's standards. A special gold-plated silver medallion was presented to this Master who never stood for Master of the Guild, because he was “too busy” with his committee! He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.

Barry Leveton varnishing picture

Barry was present at the inaugural meeting of the Framers Committee in 1987 and has chaired this very active group from 1991-1999 and again from 2006-2008. In 1990, Barry was responsible for the publication of the Guild’s Conservation Framing Guidelines. He spearheaded the development of vocational qualifications, resulting in the Guild Commended Framer programme. Since then, the publication of Framing Fabric Art , the definition of the specification for five levels of framing and the Mountboard Standards have all been developed under his auspices as well as three Advanced Accreditation GCF modules. He remains a member of the Framers Committee and is currently turning his attention to the development of guidelines for the use of tapes and adhesives in the art and framing industry.

Master after Master of the Guild co-opted Barry onto their Court and/or Executive, valuing highly his experience, wit and wisdom. Barry's technical knowledge and willingness to research what he finds he doesn’t know, is surpassed by none.

Guild MD Rosie Sumner says

I was sent to see Barry in Norwich as my first port of call when I joined the Guild. He introduced me to framing by making me cut a length of moulding, try to tap pins into one corner to join them (impossible!), use an underpinner in the next corner (scary!), and – well, you know the stuff. His assistant was repairing damage to a painting and I was shown various pieces of work in progress illustrating the toll light and moisture can take over time. Was the glass cutter you still favour really older than I am??? Barry’s workshop was a mixture of fine antique moulding moulds – really! – and other treasures from days gone by and the most up to date equipment to aid a thriving town centre framer. I couldn’t have asked for better. Thank-you, Barry, for your help then and since.

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Barry Leveton GCF Advanced

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