Business Details
Your Trusted Bespoke Picture Framing Experts in Carlisle
Established in the late 1800s, Grays Picture Framers is one of Carlisle's oldest businesses, with the current owner bringing over 41 years of hands-on experience since joining in 1982. Our expertise lies in providing bespoke picture framing services, combining traditional craftsmanship with high-quality materials to ensure every artwork receives tailored presentation. We pride ourselves on offering honest, professional advice and meticulous attention to detail, from initial consultation to final delivery.Our workshop handles diverse items including watercolours, oil paintings, photographs, and sports memorabilia, while our showroom showcases local artists' work for sale. With a legacy spanning generations, we remain committed to preserving art through expert framing techniques and fostering community connections through creative partnerships.
Services
Bespoke Framing
Artwork Mounting
Conservation Glass
Local Art Sales
Workshop Framing
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of specialist picture framing experience.
- Our workshop uses premium materials including UV-protective conservation glass.
- We provide tailored advice for mounting and framing diverse artwork types.
- Our showroom supports local artists with curated artwork sales.
- We maintain traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern framing techniques.
Services
Bespoke Framing
We create tailored picture frames using premium materials, ensuring artwork preservation and aesthetic enhancement. Our process includes professional consultation, material selection, and precise craftsmanship. Ideal for watercolours, oil paintings, photographs, and memorabilia requiring specialist presentation.
Artwork Mounting
Our white-core mounts prevent discolouration while adding depth and protection to framed pieces. We offer multi-aperture options for displaying multiple artworks in one frame. Expert advice ensures balanced layouts and complementary colour choices for optimal visual impact.
Conservation Glass
We supply three glass types, including conservation glass blocking 99% UV rays to prevent fading. Water-white anti-reflective glass offers crystal-clear viewing, while standard float glass provides bubble-free clarity for general use.
Local Art Sales
Our showroom features curated works from regional artists, offering framed and unframed pieces for sale. This service supports local creatives while providing customers with unique decorative options across various styles and mediums.
Workshop Framing
All framing work occurs on-site using 350+ moulding samples from leading UK suppliers. We cut and join frames in our workshop, maintaining quality control throughout the process. Standard and decorative frame options accommodate diverse artistic requirements.
People
David Scott
Owner
David Scott has worked at Grays since 1982, purchasing the business in 2001. He oversees all aspects of framing, from customer consultation to final presentation, combining technical expertise with a passion for artistic preservation.
Questions
What types of artwork can you frame?
We frame watercolours, oil paintings, pastels, ceramics, etchings, embroideries, prints, photographs, mirrors, medals, sports memorabilia, and unusual items requiring specialist presentation.
Do you offer conservation framing options?
Yes, we provide conservation glass blocking 99% UV rays to protect valuable artwork from fading while maintaining optical clarity for optimal viewing.
Can I buy local artwork from your showroom?
Our showroom displays curated works from regional artists, offering framed and unframed pieces across various styles for customers seeking unique decorative options.
How long does the framing process take?
Turnaround time varies by complexity, but we aim to complete standard commissions within 2-3 weeks while maintaining meticulous quality control throughout the process.
Do you offer mounting services?
We provide white-core mounts that prevent discolouration, with multi-aperture options for displaying multiple artworks in one frame and expert advice on layout and colour choices.
