Question 1

Where am I based

Accepted Answer

I work from a small workshop in Warrington.
My address is
Ascot House
64,Grappenhall Road
Stockton Heath
Warrington
Cheshire
WA42AX
 
There is free parking, outside the house.

Question 2

Can I just drop in

Accepted Answer

No, I work by appointment only.  This means that when you make your appointment you should not be disturbed by other customers just dropping in.

Please allow 30 minutes for an appointment.  If you have a few pieces let me know and I can extend the time allowed.
To book an appointment call me on 07717326464, or email mark@mdframingandphotography.co.uk(mailto:mark@mdframingandphotography.co.uk)

Question 3

What are my opening hours

Accepted Answer

I work by appointment only, please contact me to make an appointment.

• picture framing appointments –  between 09:00 – 17:30 (Mostly)

Because I frame and also Photograph, my hours are reasonably fluid.  This can be useful to you, as I don’t mind arranging for you to pick up or drop off work outside of these hours.

I saw a lovely sign on a framer’s shop that said
 • Mondays 10:00 -ish to 20:00 -ish
 • Tuesday 09:40 -ish to 17:10 -ish
 • Wednesdays 8:15 -ish to 20:10 -ish

It’s a little like that here.  Please ask and I see what I can do.

Question 4

Do I do home visits

Accepted Answer

My preference is that you make an appointment and come to see me here. Life circumstances occasionally make it difficult for some of my customers to leave home or who are less mobile and in these cases I do collect and deliver within 5 miles of the workshop. 
Some clients have artwork posted to me directly, and then collect the frames on completion.  In these circumstances, it’s best we have a clear idea of the design, or we can do a video call to discuss the design.

Most of my framing customers are local, within walking or easy driving distance. That said, I do have customers based further afield and if they’re unable to drop off and collect their art, we have successfully used couriers and taxi services to transport the work.  
Please note:  Once artwork leaves the property it is no longer under my control and is not covered by my insurance.

Question 5

What is the process (how does it work)

Accepted Answer

When you arrive for your appointment, I’ll meet you and take you through to the workshop.  We’ll discuss the artwork, Where you’re likely to hang the finished frame?, Who it’s for and any ideas you may have?.  Many clients come with a few ideas, and others have no idea at all.  It’s useful to look at a few options and the impact of mounts and frames on a piece.  We also discuss glass and the alternatives available.

I’ll give you a no-obligation quote for each piece you bring.
I take a 20% non-refundable deposit for orders over £100.  For all other orders, I currently don’t take a deposit and expect pay in full on or before you collect the finished work.
I’ll send you the invoice on completion.  You need to pay before or on collection of your work.

Question 6

Do I take cards

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can take card payments. My preference is that you pay by bank transfer. The bank details for payment are on the invoices I send out.

Question 7

Can I have a simple A4,black frame and white mount

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  Simplicity can definitely show off art very effectively and I have a wide range of lovely simple black matt, textured or glossy frames. I make any size to order.

Question 8

Do I just replace glass

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can replace broken glass.  Also with perspex

Question 9

How much does it cost to frame a piece of Art

Accepted Answer

Prices vary depending on the frame, glass and design you choose.  To give you a guideline, for artwork around an A4 size, with no mount (paper border) can range from £55 to £110 and upwards, depending on the frame and glass selected. If you add a mount, that can range from around £85 – £140.

Shirt framing starts at £175.  A large shirt framed with a double mount in a box frame can be around £245.
Embroideries and needlework also varies, for example a piece of fabric around 300 x 400mm stretched, laced and framed with 2 mounts is around £145 to £185. This can increase depending on the glass type you select.

The best thing to do is to arrange an appointment. We can discuss your artwork and look at all the options.  Then you can decide whether the brighter glass or the extra decoration is worth it or not.  Remember the art will be on your wall to enjoy daily for a few years.

Question 10

How do I make payments

Accepted Answer

I’ll send you an email with the invoice on the completion of your work.  You need to pay before you collect the pieces, using a bank transfer, or on collection of your work.

My preference is a bank transfer.  I also take cheques, cash and can take card payments. The bank details for payments are on the invoice.

You should collect your work within the week. If you know you are going to be unable to collect in the timeframe, please let me know when you leave the item. Items left longer may be charged storage,  as I don’t have storage capacity in the workshop.

Question 11

What is my maximum frame size

Accepted Answer

The maximum completed frame size I work with is 1200mm x 900mm (3′ x 4′ ) for glazed items. For items with no glass, such as canvases, I can work to a maximum size of 1600mm x 1400mm.  
If your work is larger, please do ask and I can direct you to other framers who can manage that capacity.

Question 12

Do you post or deliver frames

Accepted Answer

I generally work by drop off and collection.  As such my clients arrange to drop off their artwork, spend a little time with me doing the design discussion, and then collect their work on completion. As most of my work is glazed, I don’t offer a post and package option.

Question 13

Do you work with fabrics

Accepted Answer

Yes, I work with a wide variety of embroideries, cross stitch, needlepoint and crewel work. The term “fabrics” includes all kinds of fabrics and is not limited to embroidery.

For all fabric work, please bring the work clean and ready to frame.  I stretch and lace or stitch all fabric work with the aim to have all work reversible.

Question 14

Do you replace mounts in old frames

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can update old frames, by replacing the mounts.
Replacing mounts is a lovely way to refresh dated frames and bring old favourites up to date.

If you’re doing it to save on framing costs, it is not necessarily the most cost-effective option, as the work required to take the frame bundle apart, and redo and replace can be time consuming and so I charge accordingly.  It’s definitely worth having the conversation though.

Question 15

Do you  frame  shirts, medals.

Accepted Answer

Yes, I work with a wide variety of 3-dimensional objects.  I have framed teddy bears, football keepers gloves, medals, badges, masks, fossiles and even snake skins. All 3-D objects require planning and discussion to suit the object in question.

Question 16

What kind of frames do I work with

Accepted Answer

I work with finished and raw wood frames.  Using a few different suppliers, the frames I have on offer range from £2 per meter to £45 per metre, with the bulk of frames below £12 per metre.  (A 300mm x 400mm frame uses around 2m, depending on the width of the frame. )

Using raw wood frames, I can hand finish the wood to suit a style or colour of your choice.  Some customers bring in the colour swatch for a favourite paint, so that I can paint and finish to suit your décor.  I also work with oak and tulip and use a clear wax finish on these to enhance the grain and tones of the wood.

Adding a lime wax to a raw wood frame, will give it a softer, creamier tone and is often a very cost effective alternative.

Question 17

Do you do phone or e-mail quotes

Accepted Answer

I do, but don’t recommend you use this approach with me or other framers.  Giving you a monetary value does not help your decisions.  Be careful when selecting a framer who gives you the lowest price. Your art should be enjoyed for years to come.

I have had customers come in with one design in mind and leave with quite a different design.  Due to the varying range of glass and frames available, giving prices over the phone or in email does not provide you with a clear picture of the end result.

I understand that it’s important to have an idea of costs before you arrive.  Most of my customer orders lie in the range of £80– £300 per item.

Question 18

How long between drop off and collection

Accepted Answer

Please allow two to three weeks from drop-off to collection.  You may get your work before that; three weeks allows for delays in supplies, and bigger projects.

MD Framing and Photography | Picture Framer in Warrington | Uk

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