Framing FAQs

What type of framing do you offer?

Everything we produce is handmade-to-order, providing an individual bespoke solution based on what is asked for and the items to be framed. The best results are achieved when framing is made specifically for the size/ratio of the item, therefore we do not offer ready-made so-called ‘standard sizes’, Liaise with customers about the optimal method of displaying their items is always better.

We offer framing solutions for paper-based items, canvas stretching [1], military paraphernalia such as medals etc., textile tensioning/stringing, window mount-cutting, 2mm picture glass[2] cut to size and solutions to conserve and display 3D objects - which includes sports memorabilia and sports shirts[3].

All our framing components are very high quality as standard, but we can also use/supply archival grade materials too, for items which are delicate, valuable or need to framed in a specific manner.

Can you stretch and/or frame Canvas?

Yes, we do stretch canvas and can offer various options when framing it. Ideally the canvas fabric will be a good quality cotton based fabric and already have been on a ‘canvas stretcher’ when painted on. However we can also find solutions for other fabric too. Unfortunately, many internet bought canvas’ can be challenging to stretch in the proper way and are often the fabric is low quality. We recommend that you try to ensure it has at least a 5cm border, which is not part of the image, as this will aid the stretching process. It will always be necessary to bring canvas and fabric based items into the shop to get an idea of cost and viability.

Can you make unusual frames and boxes?

Yes, most things are possible and one of our specialities is a box-type frame, made up of many small compartments for displaying multiple 3D items that might be hard to display in any other way. We call these Kunstkammer [4] They are made to order (POA).

How long does it take to frame my items?

We are usually able to provide an estimated time span for completing orders when the order is placed. However, due to the bespoke nature of handmade framing, our normal policy is to provide an estimated completion date only.

(This may be due to the complexity or scale of the order, the availability of stock, our existing backlog of work, and our staffing levels at the time of placing the order).

We almost always have a waitng list for framing, but if you do have a specific date requirement for an order we will do our best to accommodate this when/if possible. Generally speaking we will not be able to provide any guarantee for pre-Christmas framing after the end of the first week in December.

On average, how much does it cost to have something framed?

Bespoke framing costs vary depending on the size of the artwork, picture frame mouldings and any mounts used. The size of items, will vary greatly from customer to customer, and artwork to artwork, so it can be difficult to provide a generic, or even average price via telephone or email enquiry.

By bringing your items to our shop to be framed you will need to make decisions about which picture frame moulding, materials and mounts you want and this will cause the price for any work to vary depending on your preferences.

We are happy to offer advice and help in this process, and can quickly and easily provide you with a full cost breakdown, including ways to get the best value.

We will provide you with the benefit of our experience and design expertise to create the best possible result for your budget.

Do I need an appointment?

You don’t need an appointment to call in during our opening hours, but sometimes it can be good to let us know in advance when this might be, so we can ensure the correct person is present when you visit.

We do ask, that for orders which will be for multiple frames, that customers arrive in good time - see our opening times - as we reserve the right to decline looking at artwork if you arrive too near to our closing times.

If you wish to make a specific appointment outside our opening hours, please enquire about this, or anything else, using the form below.

Can you frame…[my item]?

We will endeavour to frame most things that are brought to us, but there are inevitably occasions when it may not be a very cost-effective solution, or may present a conservation risk for the item(s) in question. Where this is the case we will provide an honest response and, if appropriate, might make an alternative suggestion on the best way forward for you.

We do reserve the right to decline our framing service for items which contravene any of our policies, or that might infringe UK laws.

Is my artwork insured whilst being framed?

If your artwork is particularly valuable, [5] indemnity through your own specifc insurance provision may be necessary in any case. Your home insurance policy may be a method of this, but we recommend checking that artwork is covered. Every care is, of course taken with all items to be framed, repaired or modified, and Johny Todd Ltd. have many years experience in sucessfully handling valuable and delicate items. However, any item left at the premises of Johny Todd Ltd. for the purposes of framing, repair or modification should be indemnified by a customer’s own insurance policy (specific artwork or home insurance). If it is not, then artwork is left at a customer’s own risk, will not be indemnified by Johny Todd Ltd. or our business insurance policy, and any damage whatsoever and however incurred will not be indemnified by Johny Todd Ltd. or any of their agents, employees or associates.

See map below for where to bring your framing…

In line with our environmental policy, all our frames are made from solid wood with glass glazing.***

[1] canvas stretching suitability is subject to material quality and age.

[2] we can source plastic glazing for large scale pieces where glass glazing will be too heavy, unsafe or inappropriate (usually only if dimensions exceed standard glass sizes) - frame size dependant, but some plastic glazing will cost as much or more than glass generally.

[3] sports shirts in particular are time consuming to prepare for framing effectively and therefore on the whole are more costly to frame than regular textile pieces. Their large surface area may also mean the frame is fairly large too.

[4] (UK): /ˈkʊnstkamə/, enPR: ko͝onstʹkăm-ər

[5] “valuable” refers to items which have a significant monetary value - such as £1000.00 - not sentimental, unique or personal value.

Any discount codes provided within marketing campaigns will need to be accurate and will only be valid for the limited duration of any campaign period - and are strictly redemable on website orders only.

Inaccurate or expired vouchers or codes are not be redeemable in any way. All vouchers have a zero cash value.