About Us

It is not hard to find a picture framer these days. You don't have to travel far before you will find someone prepared to put together a frame for you. But how can you be sure that your precious print or painting is in safe hands?

The answer is simple - make sure you use a qualified framer. Toby Watts, of McHardy's Art & Framing in Biggiesknowe, Peebles, is fully qualified as a Guild Commended Framer having passed a series of rigorous professional tests set by the Fine Art Trade Guild. The qualification was launched nearly twelve years ago to distinguish skilled framers from the semi-skilled and to provide the public with a recognised statement of excellence of both craftsmanship and service. More than 600 framers have gained the coveted GCF qualification, but Toby is the only one in the Borders to do so. "It gives the public confidence that they will be getting a job done professionally," said Toby. "It's a sign of the quality that I aspire to in getting a picture framed correctly."

Toby became a Guild Commended Framer in May 2001. His skills, both practical and theoretical, were examined by a Guild tester. Having presented three framed works for examination, Toby was then asked to perform a series of complex tasks relevant to the trade and sit a written paper. He passed with flying colours, giving his customers the assurance that his work carries the GCF mark of quality.

"You know you will be dealing with an expert, not a middleman," said Toby. "A GCF framer can give you expert advice, not only on what sort of frame or mount to choose, but on where and how a picture should be hung. If something is precious enough to warrant it being framed, it's vital that it is looked after properly."

Toby took over McHardy's Art & Framing in 1999, after giving up his job as a photographer in London. Having trained under the previous proprietor, Bob McHardy, he later branched out on his own. "From then on, I have never looked back," said Toby.

Anyone with an interest in local art should keep an eye open for the exhibitions which occasionally grace the waIls of the shop. "I'm all for promoting local artists," said Toby. "It's important to give Borders artists the publicity many of them deserve." Though the exhibition space may be limited, the shop is ideally placed in the centre of Peebles within easy walking distance of the High Street.