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Bespoke conservation framing, Artist studio support, Fabrication, Exhibition installation.

Our Services

We offer a wide range of bespoke products, servicing the breadth of the art Industry.

Our specialist framing service caters to museums, galleries, artists, collectors and curators; creating the finest results for each individual project.

Our primary services are specialist framing, fabrication and installation services. 

Conservation
Framing

With a specialist knowledge of conservation, we offer a complete service with unlimited finishes, materials and high end quality framing.

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Fabrication Services

Utilising our wealth of carpentry skills and our well equipped workshop, we offer many bespoke solutions for all aspects of the art industry.

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Exhibition
Installation

A wide range of install and de-install services for large public galleries and private clients. Including bespoke conservation friendly book cradles.

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Trusted by

Tate Logo
William Morris Society Logo
National Museum Wales
Pangolin Editions Gallery

What Our Clients Say

We pride ourselves on providing a unique and tailored service for all our clients and collaborators.

"Archetype produce bespoke conservation grade mounting and framing at the highest standard. She is a pleasure to work with, adapting to a wide range of briefs and offering invaluable advice."
Simon PhilpottSenior Paper Conservation Technician, TATE GALLERY
"We started working with Archetype Fine Art Services a year ago. One experience was enough to trust them with all our orders since then. They handle everything so professionally, with a great level of care and precision. No matter how big the challenge, they always try their best to come up with the best solution!"
Azadeh ZaferaniDirector, Ab-Anbar Gallery
"I’ve been working with Archetype for years now, the quality of her frames and plinths are excellent, she always has great advice and has been able to accommodate some very tight deadlines too, which is much appreciated!"
Rachel HowardArtist
“Lily is a patient, innovative and expert framer. Working with her is always fun; her keen eye and deep material knowledge have led to bespoke frame finishes and unique options as well as problem solving. I trust her judgment and expertise and her fresh take on framing is always a total pleasure to collaborate with.”
Emma CousinArtist
"I was very pleased with Archetype’s work. They made excellent frames for a series of Art and Craft printed works by William Morris. Her recommendations on the type of moulding were spot on, and she uses conservation quality materials which are essential for a project like this. I can recommend her without any hesitation."
Amelia RamptonConservator of works on paper, ACR, MSc
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About Us

Archetype Team

Archetype was started in 2015 in Gloucestershire by myself, Lily Cheetham, and my partner, Matt Curtis. It was born from our shared love of art, and developed using experience spent working in various parts of the art world. We love working for ourselves and use our range of skills and knowledge to produce bespoke creative picture frames/exhibition installation and specialist fabrication services.

We’re proud to say we’re trusted suppliers to Tate Gallery for 8 years now, working with paper conservation dept closely.

Our wonderful workshop is based in Stroud, a creative town in itself. We have worked with national public galleries and commercial, international artists and collectors alike.

 

Our Sustainability Goals

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by implementing the following key values in our daily practices.

Conservation

Conservation is sustainability at work, we work with adhesives and careful framing methods to ensure no future damage to the artwork is likely to occur.

Reduce Waste

Where possible we make sure we produce as little waste as possible, including our offcuts of glass and wood. We research how to most efficiently separate a sheet.

Recycle

We try to recycle as much of our waste output as possible, donating offcuts of paper and mountboard to schools, artists, and parents.

Longevity

When sourcing sundries and any other products we will judge its effectiveness against its longevity and its recyclability.

water-based

We only use water-based primers and lacquers for our sprayed frame finishes. The environmental impact is considerably less and results in a better finish, as it is less likely to have the yellowing colour in the finishes often associated with solvent lacquers.

Balance

We try to strike a balance when it comes to wood selection for frames, aiming to choose the best pieces of wood whilst still appreciating the natural elements of the material. Despite small organic imperfections, the frames are still beautiful.