The Guild Commended Framer (GCF) Qualification

GOOD FRAMERS GET QUALIFIED   GCF IS RECOGNISED WORLDWIDE   GCF CONFIRMS YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES   CONFIDENT PROMOTION MEANS MORE BUSINESS

BENEFITS OF GCF | ABOUT THE TEST | PREPARING FOR THE TEST | COST | TEST DATES & CENTRES | BOOKING FORM |

The Guild Commended Framer programme is internationally recognised as the qualification for the framing industry. Employers use GCF to set standards, as well as to assess the skills and aptitudes of staff framers. Framers use GCF to confirm their abilities to employers and customers, as well as to enhance their standing in the industry.

THANKS TO SPONSORS

We like to extend thanks to the following companies who have supported the GCF programme. Our activities wouldn't be possible without their assistance.

Founder sponsors

D & J Simons and Sons
Larson-Juhl
LION Picture Framing Supplies


Current sponsors

Applegarth Framing
Autumn Fair Birmingham
CP Productions
Cregal Art
Dromore Picture Framing
F.W. Holroyd Framing Supplies Ltd
Fringe Arts
High Street Gallery - New Zealand
Ian Dixon GCF Bespoke Framers
Ian Kenny (Framing) Limited
Larson-Juhl NZ Ltd - New Zealand
LION Art Service - Russia
LION Picture Framing Supplies (founder sponsor)
MKV Creative - Germany
D & J Simons and Sons (founder sponsor)
Sophie Brown Conservation Framing - Australia
Spring Fair Birmingham
Towngate Framing
Van Uffelen Gallery and Picture Framing - New Zealand
Wessex Pictures

BENEFITS OF GCF

  GCF IS RECOGNISED WORLDWIDE

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ABOUT THE TEST

The GCF test is a test of basic framing skills, but the work on which you will be tested must be of faultless quality and attractively presented.

You will be tested on the following:
cutting single, double, multi-window mounts
cutting undermounts and backboards
drymounting artwork using a heated press or self-adhesive board
stretching an oil on canvas onto stretcher bars
decorating mounts using a ruling pen
distinguishing between various types of artwork and knowing when conservation framing is appropriate
hinging and framing to conservation standards

How long does the test take?
Candidates are tested on a one-to-one basis.
Each test takes just under two hours with time available for practise beforehand.
Candidates are notified of results within 10-14 days.

What you need?
You will need to prepare and show three pictures, as described in the Study Guide, to be examined by the tester.

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PREPARING FOR THE TEST

Prior to taking the test, framers should obtain a copy of the Study Guide, published by the Guild.
The GCF Study Guide (revised in 2006) is the syllabus for the test and provides essential information to help you prepare for the test. It is also used as a training manual and indispensable reference source throughtout the framing industry.
It is only £10 to members & £12.50 to non-members. Postage is £2.00 within UK

Order your copy now!
Call Moira on +44 (0)20 7381 6616

Read & Learn
Make sure you have been framing for long enough and often enough to feel confident and competent in the required elements of the test. If not, take a short training course with an experienced trainer. For a list of Guild members offering framing training, click here

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COST

Guild members £99.88 (£85 + VAT)
Non-members £111.63 (£95 + VAT)

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