Picture framing and mounting for beginners
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- Course Code: VS118
- Dates: 08/04/25 - 11/04/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Tue-Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 4 sessions
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Esther Heyhoe
Course Code: VS118
Choose a start date
Duration: 4 sessions
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
A practical introduction to picture framing and mount cutting. Gain hands on experience with professional tools and constructing methods. We will explore the different elements of frame making as well as other aspects of the protection and presentation of works of art.
What will we cover?
We will be learning how to cut and join frames. How to cut perspex (acrylic glass) and mount-board, as well as different styles of mounting work in the frames.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Measure and cut frames using a variety of different tools
- Use different methods to glue and join frames
- Cut acrylic glass
- Measure and cut mount-board to fit your art work
- Have a working understanding of different ways to mount your art work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners and those with some frame making experience.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
You should be able to take short written notes for your own use and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
Due to the constraints of the room size, we wont be able to frame anything bigger than A2.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Sessions are all studio based. Examples of the media will be shown and discussed. There will be practical demonstrations, followed by practical application supported by one-to-one guidance and written instructions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The course fee covers all basic materials that will be used, such as frame moulding, acrylic glass and mount-board. More specialist materials can be bought online and locally - the tutor will provide a list of suppliers.
Please bring a pencil and notebook to each class. You will be expected to make your own notes to supplement any course handouts.
It is a hands-on class so it would be good to bring an apron, or clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
A natural progression for students may be one of the City Lit painting courses such as Painting 1, 2 or 3 to produce work to put in your frames, or any of the photography or watercolour courses for example. Or the stretching and priming a canvas course. Your tutor can advise you on what to do next.
Esther teaches printmaking and picture framing at City Lit. She studied Fine Art at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and printmaking at City Lit and Morley. Her own practice combines photographic and hand drawn elements and is influenced by comics, music, the urban environment and popular culture. She has exhibited in the UK and Europe. Esther enjoys teaching students from different backgrounds and abilities and seeing what adult learners bring to the classroom. As an artist educator, she finds it rewarding to help students find their creative potential in a fun and stimulating environment.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.