Beginner picture frame making: build a box frame and create your own project

About this course

Participants learn how design choices and conservation techniques can improve the presentation and protection of artwork. Practical work includes planning and cutting bevelled mounts, constructing wooden frames from mouldings, securing artwork, and completing frames with sealing and hanging fittings. Teaching combines tutor presentations, demonstrations, guided exercises, discussion and individual feedback. Once the core processes have been introduced, participants develop their own framing project with tutor guidance, while reflecting on their work and considering how to set up an affordable home framing workspace.

What you'll learn

• Plan, measure and cut bevelled picture mounts
• Construct and assemble wooden picture frames from mouldings
• Mount and secure artwork within a frame
• Apply finishing processes, including sealing and fitting hanging hardware
• Explain key conservation framing techniques and framing processes

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and for learners with some prior framing experience who want to develop their skills. Measuring is central to the work, so participants should be comfortable using a ruler and basic maths. Learning takes place through demonstrations, guided exercises, discussion and individual tutor feedback.

• Suitable for learners who want to develop an individual framing project
• Includes one-to-one guidance within a small workshop group
• There is no formal assessment or expectation to complete work outside class

Before you go

• Bring an image or artwork no larger than A3 to the first session.
• Basic materials and equipment are provided, so materials do not need to be bought before the first session.
• Glass cutting is not included.
• There is no formal homework or expectation to complete work outside class.
• Assistive equipment and access support may be available through reasonable adjustments, subject to assessment with the relevant support staff.