I submitted a number of limited edition photographs bought in Australia, to the Fareham gallery for framing and wa given an estimate of 10days for completion of work. It was expected that we pay the full amount up front and when we refused they were extremely disappointed to receive a 50% deposit, and made that clear in a rude and arrogant manner. After two weeks, we contacted the gallery to find that only two of the five photos had been completed, and that the others would not be finished for another 6 weeks at least. I understand that estimates are just that, an estimate, but we had received no contact that there would be a significant delay, even though we made first contact already four days beyond the original estimate. On collection, the framing was not yet finished, despite being told otherwise. We returned a further hour on to pick up the two framed photos and my other three photos (unframed), all wrapped and packaged. We were disuaded from inspecting the work in the shop, and the decision as to whether to leave the three remaining photos for framing taken out of our hands as we were now told that they could not deliver on their original promise. The reason for this became clearer once at home and the photos were unwrapped to find that the largest had been damaged by an indentation in the photo and a small tear. I contacted the gallery for an explanation but was told that it was damaged before framing and was noticed by the owner when he was performing the work. I bought, transported and packaged those photos myself and know that there was no damage to the image prior to delivering it to the framing gallery. However, on discussion with two of the owners, both accused me of lying and of giving them a damaged photo to frame (at a cost of £70). One of the owners even hung up on me during a phone conversation in which i was attempting to achieve a resolution. These framed images were part of a xmas present which is soiled by the fact that not only is it damaged, but incomplete as three images remain unframed. Communication from the gallery throughout was poor in terms of relaying delays, as well as relaying the supposed damage which they had identified prior to framing but neglected to inform me of, and then rather suspiciously dismissed any further business before urging us from their shop without a chance to inspect the work. Coupled with a disdainful arrogance displayed by all associated with the business, which told me in no uncertain terms that they had no need to uphold a reputation that they felt was already sterling after being in business for the last 40 years. Whilst i recognise that everyone is entitled to form their own opinions, i know that this will certainly be my last dealings with the Fareham Gallery, which will receive nothing but negative feedback from myself and my family. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you take your business elsewhere, or run the risk of a similar occurence (in my case with photos that i cannot hope to replace). Whilst they boasted of being in business for 40 years, i would suggest on performances like this, 41 years may be optimistic. 0 Stars. Would not return! read more

The owners have obviously rated their own store on the 22nd November 2012 the only two good comments on the same day as they left the comment at the bottom of the page! I agree that the staff are rude and if they have the blue print of a credit note and they know that they gave it to that person as it does sound as though they do from the reply, then they should stop being petty and honour it anyway. People lose these things all the time like reciepts in this case the store holds the other copy and will given refunds and exchanges using their copy. In the case of this credit note the store also holds a copy so they should still honour it. Otherswise they have with held the customers money or goods to the value because they feel that they can get away with it. Also if someone else has it are they going to let them use it just because they have it? If they know they gave it to this customer as they clearly do! Then they should give her her goods they have had her money, to say that she should not have lost it is petty and they know that she has not used it yet. Not the sort of people I would like to take my custom to. Also the customer has stated that the two people in the shop are the owners! Look how this woman who owns the shop has stated that her staff have acused this customer of being rude! I wonder how her staff feel about that? Not something I would want said about me. I am not shopping there anymore! HOBBY CRAFT IS GREAT NICE STAFF! read more

I recently had a prized football shirt and programme framed as a surprise for my fathers birthday. I was absolutely over the moon with the quality of the work that was carried out by Fareham Gallery and the service and communication received during the project was outstanding. Always good to be dealt with by people who know and are passionate about what they do. I will have no hesitation in utilising their skills in the future! read more