A TAUNTON picture framer is celebrating 25 years of business after making over 40,000 frames on site.

Frameworx Picture Framers, at 1 Yarde Place, was opened in 1999 by Dustyn Etherington and Tracey Harries, who had worked at Harrison Picture Frames on the same premises until it closed.

Dustyn and Tracey said: "When the previous owner decided to close the business in 1999 following a career change, we saw an opportunity to take it on as our own, understanding that a skill set and experience could be lost to the area.

"Although not planned and really not good timing with our first child just leaving Musgrove Park Hospital Special Care Baby Unit, we decided it was better to try and fail than live with the what if. Funds were low, so it was a big financial gamble for us to purchase the equipment and materials required to set up Frameworx."

Now 25 years later Frameworx are still operating in Yarde Place, framing all types of art, photos, embroidery, memorabilia and "anything else that the good people of Taunton, the surrounding areas of Somerset and occasionally further beyond present for a framing consultation".

The workshop and gallery have developed over the years with advancements in best practices, industry improvements, and changing trends.

Dustyn and Tracey's years of gained experience are often required to achieve a perfect finish due to the "uniqueness" of some framing jobs.

All frame moulding, mounts and sheets of glass are measured, cut and put together in the workshop, taking due care, time and attention to ensure each and every piece is completed to a high standard.

The couple added: "We both enjoy the work and the challenges that running a small business brings. It has become more a way of life, a vocation, than a standard 9-5 job."

They added: "We are also extremely proud to have reached our 25th Anniversary and would like to say a big thank you to all who have used our services through the years.

"It is always a pleasure to see the positive reactions of our clients when they are collecting their completed work. We really appreciate all of them for supporting us as a small creative independent business.

"We are looking forward to Christmas, putting up our decorations and hopefully a productive New Year."