The Framers Forum

I like to plan visits to places where I can have a bit of a nose around and generally admire other framers work, but it does not always matter if there are no framers there at all, as I still get a lot out of looking at quality stuff in shops.

I find it quite inspiring and like to be influenced and motivated to try something new, while getting ideas for what might sell in my own business. It's usually places where the more wealthy live there, or go there to spend their money. I also like finding nice places to eat while I'm there.

I know that I'm not the only one who likes to do this, so maybe it's a good subject. I've been planing on visiting the Cotswalds for a while, so this might be my next weekend away. We often visit "Moreton in the Marsh" and "Stow on the Wald" while returning from the Spring Fair. One place I want to visit is Chipping Camden, which I just remember a really nice unspoilt town, from back in the 60's and 70's. I knew the Cotswalds really well in those days and fancy seeing if any of it is still how I remember it.

I'm not limiting this to the Cotswalds, that's just an example, but the idea is to get in the odd weekend break while there's some nice off-season deals to be had for accomodation.

Hi Mark, The Cotswolds is a great place to visit, especially to look at galleries. Chipping Campden is still a largely unspoilt and lovely town, I've not been for a while but there are a couple of galleries I know of: Campden Gallery, Gallery at the Guild (next to a very traditional silversmiths), and Court Barn museum is dedicated to general arts and crafts.

In Stow there is Red Rag Gallery (they also have a gallery in Bath) they have some great hand made frames, lots of them are from Scotland, which have a distinct look. Also in Stow is the Fosse gallery, Lindy Allfrey gallery, Kenulf Fine Art, Titian Gallery, and an Artist shop which does framing.

You know about Moreton galleries, but make sure you visit the John Davies Gallery, it is just on the edge of town, situated in a huge old dairy plant.

I think the real art capital of the Cotswolds is Broadway, with some amazing galleries: John Noott Galleries, Broadway Modern, Broadway Editions, Haynes Fine Art, Trinity House, Priory Gallery, Richard Hagen, and the Old Print Gallery.
In this village you can see a huge selection of traditional and contemporary artists, with originals by: Seago, Pissarro, David Shepherd, Mary Fedden, Darren Baker, Grimshaw, Stubbs, Flint, Bouvard, Loir, Sam Toft, the list goes on and on!

My workshop is between Chipping Campden and Broadway, you (and any other framers driving past!) would be very welcome to stop by for a cup of tea.

Thanks Richard,

I'd love to pop in and see you. I'll let you know when I have worked out that this will be.