Frame Company Allington Black Frame 12x8 inch, Glass

I like these frames, they look better than you would expect for the price and they actually have proper glass in them, rather than plastic, but thereby lies a problem. When they cut the glass they do not smooth the edges and they are prone to have small glass fragments that get between picture and glass. I had to have two goes, on this frame at trying to wipe them away with a damp cloth, fortunately I spotted the problem early and managed to avoid damage to the print I was framing. It's a question of a little more attention to detail and quality is needed. I would, however, recommend these frames, at this price.

This looks good and good price so why only 3 stars ? ISSUE 1) As nearly all art reproductions come in non-standard sizes there will always be a border at the top or side so an A3 backing sheet is required to conceal the exposed hardboard. None is provided. ISSUE 2) The clips that adhere the hardboard backing to the frame are simply pieces of metal which you bend and unbend each time you insert or remove a poster and this eventually creates metal fatigue that will cause the clips to shear off. ISSUE 3) There is only one hanging loop each for landscape or portrait orientation thus causing the frame to swing out of horizontal alignment if accidentally jogged so two hanging loops rather than one is required to maintain level alignment. I fielded all three comments to the Frame Company and (much to their credit) received a rapid detailed response as described : ISSUE 1) The company maintained that most art came in standard A sizes anyway so no exposed margin issue to address. This is obviously untrue for anything created before 1977 and probably untrue after that date because artists are inspired to create in a size that suits their vision, not to neatly fit into an A size frame. ISSUE 2) The company explain that as the clips will not be in constant use, they will not snap off due to metal fatigue. ISSUE 3) The company misconstrued my alignment observation thinking that I was referring to the strength of the loops rather than the number and placement of them. As a designer myself I deem it important to submit accurate feedback to promote better products but In this instance the company are happy to disregard my findings so if you don't mind a) The clips shearing off after frequent use. b) The frame swinging out of horizontal alignment if jogged. c) Are prepared to visit an Arts & Crafts shop for an A3 backing sheet, this is the frame for you. If not, seek elsewhere for a more professionally designed product.

Bought this frame for the print you can see in the photo specifically, and it arrived superbly packaged in bubble wrap to prevent the glass from breaking. Print fitted in perfectly and love the fact that they take the care to put a notice thanking you for buying from them and offering any assistance with problems or complaints directly with a freephone number. Great customer service, Not cheap here-today, gone-tomorrow cowboys. Highly recommended and will buy from them again.

I needed some inexpensive frames for a photo exhibition, I chose these based mostly on the fact that they had the shortest delivery time and I needed them promptly. I have to say though, I am fairly impressed and would probably purchase again even if speed was not an issue.This is a very basic frame, no inset, no backing paper, I had to purchase then separately. They have a then clean simple look that I was after. I do much prefer the look of a glass frame to a plastic one. The size was exactly as advertised and fitted the inserts that I purchased perfectly.The frames came individually packages in a thick cardboard wrap which I have hung onto - Ideal for protection during transport and storage.There was one aspect though that I was not so happy with.Each pane of glass arrived with fingerprints on the inside and out side at the centre bottom, Likely due to the assembly process. I always shine a light from below whilst I frame my prints so I was able to spot it and clean the glass before framing, but I know from experience how annoying it can be when you only discover the smudge after you have framed the print. There was also an amount of dust and a small black speck on every frame.

Whille removing the back to insert a picture, on of the pins fell out. That's not too bad, can happen. But then I realised that the glass was very dirty. It looked like patches of water drying. But I failed to get it clean with a cloth and warm water. I guess will have to take the glass out and wash it in the sink!!! I did not expect this from a wrapped product. The frame gives you more hassle than a solution. Wouldn't buy again.

The frame looks good enough for the cost but, having installed my picture in the frame, the device for hanging it on the wall, fell off. On investigation, the means of sticking it to the frame was flimsy and its failure inevitable. I always use two points to hang a picture of this nature in case one fixing fails but this has only one for landscape and one for portrait. Having hung a few pictures before I had a couple of hangers which I used to fix the problem.

I have purchased two of these frames.Both warp top and bottom after a few months, obviously due to weight of glass.Complained to Frame Company who asked to send photos.This I did and the reply was "The Allington is one of our most popular frames and we’ve never had this issue in the past, as the glass is relatively lightweight and shouldn’t cause an issue with the moulding bowing."I do not believe this as both frames have warped after a few months.After replying to the last email from Frame Company asking if fixed to wall with supplied hook, I have not had any further communication.Very bad customer service, I recommend to avoid this company.

I have had a couple of frames from this company before and they are fabulous, always seem to have the right size and so well made. First port of call for me in the future.