The Fine Art Trade Guild - an introduction Formed in 1910, the Fine Art Trade Guild is the successor to the Printsellers' association, which had been set up in 1847 to preserve the integrity of the limited edition print against unscrupulous traders. The Guild is the trade association for the whole of the art and framing industry in the UK and Ireland, and has an active branch in New Zealand. It represents print publishers, printers, materials and equipment manufacturers and suppliers, finished picture suppliers, galleries, contract and bespoke framers, artists and agents. The Fine Art Trade Guild has developed policies covering every aspect of industry activity. In its mission to promote, develop and inform, it sets and maintains standards for the benefit of both members and their customers. Only Guild members are able to display the prestigious Guild logo as a sign of their commitment to the Code of Ethics. The Guild Print Standards and Print Registration scheme, governing edition size, print quality and durability, have been industry benchmarks for over a century. Its standards on framing and framing products, such as mountboard and tape, enable framers and their customers to trade with confidence. The Guild Commended Framer qualification is recognised worldwide as the prime qualification for picture framers, giving framers the opportunity to validate their skills and demonstrate advanced skills in specialist techniques, such as textile framing and mount design. The Guild publishes and distributes a range of specialist books, hosts regional events to aid business development and networking, and has established an information-packed website. Aims of the Guild 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.
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