Headlines
Taking Holt of the business
21 August 2020
Steve Todd of Holt’s Framing spoke to 4walls about how he got started in the framing business, and how maintaining an online presence has proved to be an incredibly useful tool during recent times.
“Holt’s Framing began as part of Holt's Art Shop in Whitehaven back in 1977. The picture framing side of the business proved so successful that I was taken on as a trainee picture framer in 1982. In 2015 the owners of Holt's Art Shop decided to retire and I bought the framing side of the business, allowing me to retain the good name and quality offer that I had helped to build up over the years.
“Initially, I started off with a simple website to promote the business. I then decided to boost our social media presence by using Facebook, which has proved a great success. Being on an industrial estate means that passing trade is rare, and so social media has been a good platform for advertising and getting the name of Holt’s Framing out there. I try to keep my Facebook page regularly updated by posting a few times a week in order to keep the interest going, showing the recent work I have completed. People are now also getting in touch via Facebook Messenger to ask for advice, and most recently to make appointments in these current times.
“During lockdown, I found the Larson-Juhl webinars very helpful for providing hints and tips on various topics, in particular, the webinar about opening up again after Covid-19. As lockdown has eased and shops have reopened, I am seeing a lot more needlework starting to come in. It would seem people have been busy creating while they have been in lockdown!
“Having worked with Larson-Juhl since they were Arquati, I've seen taste and choice of mouldings alter. I find that traditional black and white mouldings in various styles are still very popular. Washed woods seem to be a favourite with many of my customers too, the Lancaster range is an example of this.
“I have been asked to frame many different and unusual objects over my 38 years as a picture framer. Some that stick in my mind are a burst copper water pipe, an oyster shell, a baby's first pair of shoes and a pair of 1930s driving goggles. Most recently I have started working with a company called Sleeping Petals and Stems, who freeze dry wedding bouquets. They approached me to see if I would be able to frame their dried bouquets.
“I feel so lucky to have a regular clientele, who trust and value my expertise and experience. They have been loyal customers for many years. My aim moving forward is to promote my business more and also to try and encourage new younger customers, through the use of social media.”
To see more of Holt’s Framing, follow them on Facebook @holtsframing, or visit their website.
www.holtsframing.co.uk
“Holt’s Framing began as part of Holt's Art Shop in Whitehaven back in 1977. The picture framing side of the business proved so successful that I was taken on as a trainee picture framer in 1982. In 2015 the owners of Holt's Art Shop decided to retire and I bought the framing side of the business, allowing me to retain the good name and quality offer that I had helped to build up over the years.
“Initially, I started off with a simple website to promote the business. I then decided to boost our social media presence by using Facebook, which has proved a great success. Being on an industrial estate means that passing trade is rare, and so social media has been a good platform for advertising and getting the name of Holt’s Framing out there. I try to keep my Facebook page regularly updated by posting a few times a week in order to keep the interest going, showing the recent work I have completed. People are now also getting in touch via Facebook Messenger to ask for advice, and most recently to make appointments in these current times.
“During lockdown, I found the Larson-Juhl webinars very helpful for providing hints and tips on various topics, in particular, the webinar about opening up again after Covid-19. As lockdown has eased and shops have reopened, I am seeing a lot more needlework starting to come in. It would seem people have been busy creating while they have been in lockdown!
“Having worked with Larson-Juhl since they were Arquati, I've seen taste and choice of mouldings alter. I find that traditional black and white mouldings in various styles are still very popular. Washed woods seem to be a favourite with many of my customers too, the Lancaster range is an example of this.
“I have been asked to frame many different and unusual objects over my 38 years as a picture framer. Some that stick in my mind are a burst copper water pipe, an oyster shell, a baby's first pair of shoes and a pair of 1930s driving goggles. Most recently I have started working with a company called Sleeping Petals and Stems, who freeze dry wedding bouquets. They approached me to see if I would be able to frame their dried bouquets.
“I feel so lucky to have a regular clientele, who trust and value my expertise and experience. They have been loyal customers for many years. My aim moving forward is to promote my business more and also to try and encourage new younger customers, through the use of social media.”
To see more of Holt’s Framing, follow them on Facebook @holtsframing, or visit their website.
www.holtsframing.co.uk
