The Pouch Of Douglas

Made a booking for 09:45 on their online booking system for Friday after Christmas all confirmed by email with a note saying no amendments or cancellations allowed 24 hours before appointment.Arrived on time to find a note saying that they would not be opening until 10:30 on that day.Returned at 10:30 no signs of life waited until 10:45 still nobody there so I gave up. Even had a sign in the window saying support local businesses! Have no idea if the framing is any good but there seems to be a distinct lack of concern for the customer!Gave 1 star as I am not sure it works if no stars on review

Excellent framing service of a very high standard.

Products that are supplied are below par and the customer service is appalling. When discussing not being happy about the frame quality (was told it was real ash but in fact when completed it was covered in veneer. The seams were not only highly visible but you could run a credit card through them) The owner got shirty and rolled his eyes and became extremely abrupt. I had asked if there was another frame that could be used which did meet my specifications but he refused to answer due to his attitude and wanting some form of argument.He took 7 working days to take the pictures out of the frame just to add insult as the job takes a matter of minutes.When finally able to collect the pictures I had said I’d take the mounts (which, to be fair, were well done). At this point I was verbally told they were £17 each, after explaining I thought that was expensive he went to his computer and typed in some parts and they came to £27 each - so I was getting a ‘good deal’? On my £40 deposit for two completed frames at a total of £100. I said this was not correct as it would mean the mounts cost more than the frame, glass, backing board and hardware all together. He then said ‘my mistake’ and took off ‘an error’ and they came to £23 each. After calmly stating I felt this was expensive he got shirty with me yet again.He refused to be polite if questioned.I am saddened that he has 2 apprentices at his shop and that they may learn that this is the way to run a business and treat customers.I could not warn potential customers enough about the ‘service’ I received. There are a number of other local framers including ‘frame it’ in Westcliff-on-Sea which can be trusted.

Paul is a true craftsman and offers great advice. He got me out a pickle recently when I badly creased a new art print – Paul mounted it for me and framed it beautifully. The creases are now barely noticeable. A friendly and reliable service!

Have just spoken to Paul to request replacement glass for a large frame. He's cutting it now and price is 2/3 of some others.

Paul is a great framer, a true artisan, with an exceptionally good eye. You come not only for his invaluable advice but also for his unfaltering attention to detail in everything he makes. The whole creative process of comparing the mounts and frames is addictive, or at least Paul’s knowledge and experience makes it so. Over the last couple of years I have had just about all of my pictures, drawings and paintings framed or re-framed by Paul, employing a multitude of stylistic approaches. What he achieves is always a delight and in many cases simply quite stunning, adding depth and additional dimension to the framed work. This is gallery-standard framing. I would recommend without hesitation.

The PoD is fantastic! Paul is a real gent and a true craftsman. Ignore the one star reviews from Tom Swift and some other guy. I used the online appointment system and I turned up a little early but Paul was more than happy to accommodate me. He talked me through all the options and helped me pick a beautiful design for an anniversary gift I was planning.I believe he had an apprentice called Declan working with him who was also a great guy.The work took a couple of weeks and the finished product was beautiful.I will 100% go back for any other framing work.Thanks again guys!

Excellent service. Beautiful bespoke framing service with careful thought given to picture, style and mounting location. Worth spending time discussing requirements and we have always been delighted with the outcome.

This is the second time I've used Paul and the team and both times I have received the same great service and top quality products.I particularly have to commend the thorough consultation service. Patiently listening to understand my needs and always willing to make suggestions, Paul's passion for the craft is evident in his practical advice and creative ideas.Couldn't recommend them highly enough.