Framing, Art and Decor

About Us

Jenny Phillips knew at a young age that she was destined to be an artist. For the last forty years as a professional artist she has been fulfilling that dream. David Phillips, Jenny's husband, has looked after the framing of all Jenny's works.

In 1990 Jenny opened her gallery-frame and gift shop at the same time Dave entered a town crier's contest . . . and won. . . .so Jenny named the shop . . Village Crier. Dave put his expertise in framing to work for the general public making custom picture frames, matting and glass. If she has time, Jenny may hand paint ribboned florals on the mats to match a bridal bouquet.

The Village Crier building at 194 Currie Road, Dutton, is over 115 years old and really needed some major face-lifting. In the spring of 2008 Jenny and Dave are completing this onerous task.

A new entrance door, wide enough to accommodate Jenny's scooter, was installed. New energy efficient windows with an old fashioned charm brightened the showroom where a reproduction tin ceiling with a nine inch cornice, embossed panels and molding, reflect the brilliance of the new lighting that highlights the old world look of the century old exposed brick wall.

The pine plank floor is a sturdy base to set the new permanent floor to ceiling sculpture created by Jenny and built under her direction. The newly painted walls, the warm copper coloured ceiling, other unique store fixtures and the environmentally friendly lighting make this a showroom like no other. Jenny decided at the same time the store was being revamped, she would re-merchandise. In the 1990 when she first opened there was no gift shop in her community. She was the first to have scented candles . .now there are fourteen businesses selling scented candles, oils and gifts. Jenny featured book launches for Elgin authors and exhibits for local artists as well as carrying popular prints posters and paintings.

Of course the shop will always feature Jenny's original watercolour and acrylic paintings, sketches and pastel pieces along with the stories that accompany them, but she has eliminated all giftware other than what she and Dave create.

Tin ceilings are becoming quite popular again and so Jenny and Dave have become dealers for custom tin ceilings that Jenny says are truly a work of art and a thing of great beauty.

Jenny has long admired the masterful stained glass art of Louis Comfort Tiffany and she would like to share her love of stained glass by offering a line of custom stained glass lighting, lamps, billiard and kitchen island lights, fireplace screens, and windows in the style of Tiffany, Wright and other notables. These include styles for Traditional, Modern, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Celtic, Egyptian, Lodge, Victorian, South West and several other styles with options to suit anyone's home.

The shop will only display a few random pieces but offer an incredible selection from a huge brilliantly coloured catalogue. The plan is to customize each piece to accent the client's personal decor.
Dave will continue the custom framing; the superbly cut mats; custom cut glass and mirror; the website design and the replacement inks for selected brands of printers.
Jenny says working in an environment that stimulates the senses with so much beauty makes her heart sing and her creative juices flow. Jenny tries to paint every day and still accepts some commissions when time permits.

Both Jenny and Dave enjoy meeting and serving the public with old fashioned service, top quality materials and low prices. They encourage all to drop in for a visit.

Quotes and gift certificates available on request.