REAL LIFE
“We now count a large number of talented photographers, painters and sculptors as friends”
which we had done previously. However, one day shortly after tearing up the list, we noticed a local advert in Eymet selling all the framing equipment we’d need as a job lot. Fate had obviously intervened and it seemed that the only way forward was to create a business that favoured our skills as crafts people with a love of art. We had a family background in materials, joinery and woodwork, as well as experience in design and printing, so we could use those practical skills. An activity as seemingly simple as framing actually
clients we’ve got to know over the three years since we started. Now, having lived in Eymet
for more than 10 years, we count ourselves as being practically French. We have passed our B1 language test and are currently putting together all the information required to gain nationality. We have always considered ourselves to be European having lived not only in the UK, but also in Sweden and France and having worked throughout Europe. We were upset by Brexit even
though we were not aff ected ourselves and our three children are dual nationals. It means that the raw materials for our business that we used to sourced in the UK we now have to get in France and Italy – the whole political process has been really disappointing. We’ve actually found
Ian and Alexa have provided framed photographs for local tourist boards
requires a number of skills and appreciation of design, materials, papers, adhesives, and restoration techniques, as well as a good eye for the best method to complement diff erent works of art. Our wonderful customers have given us numerous challenges over the years and the fruits of our labour are hanging proudly on walls of homes and galleries across Europe.
ART DE VIVRE One of the main attractions of the framing adventure was the potential to become more involved with the art community, especially with the numerous artists who are attracted to the Dordogne and the surrounding area. That vision has certainly come true and we now count a large number of talented photographers, painters and sculptors as friends, as well as the many repeat private
the French systems of administration very effi cient and, what’s more, there always seems to be a friendly face behind a lot of the bureaucracy. Being able to speak the
The couple have helped local artist collaborations stage exhibitions
language obviously helps. Alexa was a language teacher and fl uent in French, German and English, and even my skills in French would amaze old Miss Caddis from my school. We are so happy to be
surrounded by the beautiful French countryside and have been fl oored by the number of amazing restaurants that are too numerous to ever eat our way through. We are also confounded by the quantity of world-class musicians that the area has to off er; jazz, rock, classical music are all catered for – especially during the long summer months. The town and the surrounding area is obviously attractive to the
many tourists that frequent the Dordogne and it is gratifying to see Place Gambetta full during market days, the night markets and the various festivals we do so well here.
TEAM EFFORT
This summer we are glad to have had the opportunity to work with the tourist offi ces in Eymet and Issigeac to
provide framed photographs of the many attractions of both towns, which have proven to be extremely popular. We have also helped local artist collaborations in staging exhibitions both locally and abroad, for example,
recently in Castillonnès with Les Artistes Pourpres and in the
local Château d’Eymet. We have created a
Facebook group called Art d’Eymet, which is
designed to bring together under one umbrella all the local artists and art lovers, and that now has more than 250 community members.
By way of conclusion, I’d
say that our experiences just go to show that it is entirely possible to build a small business from scratch in France, creating a reputation for quality workmanship at a reasonable price, plus a fast turnaround and good communications. We have found a lovely niche, but other possibilities exist that could allow you to fully enjoy the French experience, become involved in your community and provide valuable products or services. ■
Encad’ Eymet has framed a wide range of pieces; (inset) Alexa walking the dogs
Find out more Ian and Alexa’s framing business Encad’ Eymet at
encadeymet.com
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023 67
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