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A picture framer's opinion:
In nearly every industry, including conservation, there is an established
"body of knowledge" that one must learn before being recognized as a
professional. Such is not the case in picture framing, and that affects
conservators directly. After all, conservators often must work to
correct the results of ignorance and mistaken efforts of framers.
While there is, indeed, a rich body of framing knowledge, it is recognized
by few consumers, and only by framers who know enough to seek it. Rather,
a consumer typically takes the word of the local "professional" framer, and that
framer's knowledge is typically determined by, and limited to, his/her mentor or
teacher during some sort of in-shop apprenticeship or limited training.
Too often, the available body of framing knowledge goes unrecognized.
Fortunately, formal education is increasingly becoming available for
framers. There is still only one planned-education program for picture framers
in the USA that attempts to cover the entire body of framing knowledge.
That is the PPFA Certification program. It begins with a comprehensive
study guide which, if taken seriously, leads to passing a difficult test.
(The failure rate is sometimes near 40%; it is not an easy test). Ongoing
education is encouraged, and recertification courses are required to maintain
the CPF designation. I understand that this PPFA program is similar to the
GCF program offered by FATG in the UK.
Also, the non-profit FACTS (Fine Art Care & Treatment Standards)
Institute, based in California, is working to establish and promote a series of
standard guidelines for framing in the USA, and perhaps world-wide.
PPFA and FACTS are now allied in the war against framing
ignorance. I wonder if FATG would be involved, as well?
Are there other such groups working to bring the picture framing industry's
body of knowledge to the masses? If so, contact information would be
appreciated. Anyone interested in obtaining information on the USA
groups may Email FACTS at facts@wenet.net or PPFA at ppfa@ppfa.com .
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