About us

Mal came to framing late in life which rapidly turned into his third career. After leaving school he became an apprentice draughtsman before gaining a degree in mechanical engineering; he then served 31 years as a navigator in the Royal Air Force.

On retirement he turned his attention to his hobby of many years, picture framing; starting Harlequin Frames in 2000.  Mal gained his GCF in May 2002.  He then took and passed the Textile Advanced Accreditation in May 2006 and the Conservation Framing Advanced Accreditation in August 2011.

Mal has framed a wide variety of items including watercolours, oils, photographs, medals, object/memorabilia (including a guitar signed by Aerosmith).

Mal has been a committed member of the Fine Art Trade Guild for a number of years and strongly believes that the Guild and the GCF scheme is essential for promoting and improving standards within the framing industry.  He is the Chairman of the Guild's Framers Committee and was elected to the 'Court of the Guild' in March 2009.

He is in regular demand to give talks and seminars to various organisations and events.  he is a columnist for Picture Business and continues to have articles published in ABT.  Mal was one of the main contributors to the Fine Art Trade Guild's recent publication 'framing and presenting textile art'.

As a separate area of expertise, Mal has for a number of years demonstrated, at the Spring Fair, the Valiani range of CMC's and considers that Valiani's interchangeable head system has been instrumental in placing CMC's high on the desirable list of equipment for the bespoke picture framer.

Mal is also a member of a panel of experts answering framing questions posed by customers of Arqadia, the UK's leading supplier of moulding, mount board and framing accessories.

Mal has been successful in turning a one time hobby into a thriving small business; always looking to provide that extra dimension he has recently purchased a wide format printer in order to provide a 'one stop shop' for artists and photographers.

Framing takes up most of his time but in addition, he enjoys watching Rugby Union, playing bridge and in what little time is left going to his allotment with his two spaniels.