Edges Art Framers
The Process
Edges works on a two week turn-around for its clients. Staff are asked, "can't you do it now?" If all the materials are at the studio, a job could be done in two or three hours. However Suzy points out that this "stuffs up the whole system". The staff can do six individual jobs in one day or 400 in a week.
The process is computerised from when the order is first taken and made into a job card. This will contain all the measurements (in millimetres), colours and any special considerations such as cropping. The measurements are kept on the computer in case the customer brings another job in to match.
The pricing is all computerised because it is easier, with five people on deck, to ensure that everything is correct.
All the materials for the various jobs are ordered weekly; when they arrive those jobs go on the job pile for Monday morning.
On Monday a job card is picked up and all the coloured materials found before heading to the cutter to make the mat. When cutting the border the background is on the computer which enables a huge array of things to be cut out, such as lettering. For Suzi this is where the creative part comes in, when she moves things around - such as the edges - to get the look she wants.
Normally the computerised mat cutter can be programmed to cut a mat within a minute, and while the machine is cutting it, it leaves time to find the colours for the next job.
The backing boards are then done and the artwork mounted. If the work is an original or something precious it is generally not mounted but hinged, using a small hinge only at the top. If the piece is already damaged or not precious then it is mounted by gluing and pressing on to a backing board.
The job card is then moved on to another team which will cut and join the frames. After this the glass is cut; the customer having had the choice of plain, non-reflective or UV glass.
The last day is spent putting everything together – cleaning the glass, working it all upside down, double checking and, if everything is perfect, putting a sticker on the back and finally wrapping it.
Edges does not provide a hanging service, but sells hooks and hanging systems.
