High Fife

With a degree in Fine Art and having been GCF accredited since 2004, it is not surprising that Joe Nicholson‘s businesses are so full of creativity and professionalism. Joe is now totally focused on building both Sun Gallery and Foursticks Framing – but Joe was not always so sure about his ambitions! When he left art college, he lived in a tent in Cornwall. He started an apprenticeship in a local workshop crafting high-end clocks and mirrors and was captivated by skills including raised gesso and gilding.

In 2002, Joe returned to Scotland and soon after began framing with Framework in Edinburgh, gaining further experience and his framing qualification.

Then in 2008 he launched Foursticks Framing – appropriately named after the Led Zeppelin album.




He started by making his own frames from driftwood and his business has thrived ever since, despite many challenges, and particularly the last year through lockdown.

In 2019, the opportunity came along to further explore the art world. Last December, Sun Gallery was destined for closure due to retirement. Joe could see the potential, and with the support of friends and family, jumped in to save the space. The previous concern had been going for 14 years, but was in need of a serious refresh. “I wanted to keep the space alive for the community,” he told 4walls, “even though it needed a lot of work. ” While the first lockdown was hardly welcome, it did give Joe the chance to refurbish the premises properly.



Going forward, a dedicated wall will regularly feature “the abundance of creative disciplines thriving on our doorstep in our permanent mixed showcase.” The seasonal exhibition will focus on an invited featured artist. First to star is Rona Hyslop, who is a prolific Scottish landscape painter. Rona studied drawing, painting and printmaking at Edinburgh College of Art and her work celebrates the Scottish landscape in a stunningly uplifting style. When under lockdown, the chance to enjoy this beautiful work seemed especially appropriate. Her canvases are framed in Larson-Juhl’s white slip moulding 128127000 and custom-finished Barefaced Obeche moulding 224400000.



Joe has worked very hard to make the gallery Covid-19 safe, while minimising the impact of safety measures on the gallery experience. Ensuring people have the capacity to enjoy the artwork in a safe environment has been at the forefront of the project. Joe explains: “We have maximised the open-ness of the gallery to encourage people to enjoy the space.”
We were blown away by Joe’s use of our 3’’ gold swept frame 829693260 to create spectacular screens that have a wow factor as well as a practical health and safety function. We think they look absolutely fantastic!



Find out more at:
www.sungallery.co.uk
Follow Sun Gallery & Foursticks Framing on social media @sungalleryfife on Facebook and Instagram.