Picture Framer - Working conditions

Kaihanga Anga Pikitia

Working Conditions

Picture framers work in workshops and studios, and sometimes travel to clients' homes and businesses. They may also travel nationally, or overseas to attend art expos and seminars, and to learn new skills. Their work may be repetitive, and safety precautions have to be taken when using mechanical equipment.
Brenton Chainey cutting a frame to size.

Brenton Chainey cutting a frame to size

Inside a picture framing workshop.

Inside a picture framing workshop

 

Equipment

Equipment picture framers may use includes:
  • mechanical tools such as a mitre saw and a guillotine for cutting frames
  • cutting tools such as a Stanley knife and glass cutter
  • measuring tools
  • hand tools, such as screwdrivers, photographic rollers and hand rollers
  • different types of presses to keep pictures flat after glueing them down
  • computers
  • methylated spirits for cleaning glass
  • matt cutters for cutting straight and oval matts
  • v-nailers or vices to join frames.

 

Hours

Picture framers usually work regular retail hours.

Picture framers who own their own business may work longer, more irregular hours, depending on customer demand.

 

Sarah Scott.

"I work standard shop hours from 9am until 5.30pm most days. When it's closer to Christmas and we start getting booked up, I tend to work a bit later in the evenings."

Sarah Scott - Picture Framer

 

Contact with people

Picture framers may work independently or as part of a team. They interact with customers and have contact with suppliers.
Sarah Scott looking at frames in a book with a customer.

Customers often rely on picture framers to give them good advice about which frame and matt board to choose

 

Updated August 2008