So my first encounter with this establishment was to make an order for a poster (yes a poster, not a print, nor a canvas) and the advice I was given was to be made a frame from expensive wood, mounted etc. which amounted to over £120. Ridiculous opportunism.
The second encounter was that a large canvas painting that my father had made and had framed there CAME OFF the wall as it was so poorly put together, with wholly unsupportive pin nails and subsequently destroyed an antique plate. More expense occurred.
The third encounter happened just today. I wandered in, fully ready to accept unpleasantness for whatever request I made and I was right. I made a simple enquiry with the madam that runs the till and crystal section.. as to what paint they used on their frames oil or acrylic? The answer was I don't know, they come like that. So the service you are paying for is for this establishment to order in ready-made frames and just bang them together to fit the right size, at an extortionate price. The conversation was not over, I asked politely if she could tell me who the supplier was, as I was doing research around framing (which is true; I am) and I was promptly thrown out of the shop. Charming.
So, my fun little stories aside, don't get your work framed here. Its shoddy, half-assed and expensive. Not to mention the fact that they only do a small part of the job. read more