ArtPhotos

Who is the mystery Teddington framer?

NewsLocals were surprised to wake up to various signs around Teddington delightfully framed in gold today.

These have been spotted by the river, Bushy Park, centrally and in Cambridge Road around road signs, dog and cycle notices. Have you seen any more? Email contact@teddingtontown.co.uk if you spot any.

Where Broad Street / High Street meet

Cambridge Road and Bushy Park:

Teddington Lock:

More found near the station:

Station Road and Field Lane:

[Update] The so-called ‘Phantom Framer’ has set up a Twitter account and is hinting at where as yet undiscovered frames are. Some have been removed (including the Broad St/High St ones) after residents spotted who was thought to be council workers photographing the signs.

The story is being covered in the media including ITV, The Standard, The Mirror and on TV via ITN News. The Phantom Framer himself has spoken out to say “Teddington is beautiful town and I wanted to prove that even the most mundane things can be beautiful.”

Richmond Council have now removed most of the signs and have commented “As beautiful as these frames looked across Richmond they had to be taken down as they are not in keeping with our corporate policy for street signs and logos.

Whoever is responsible has spent a considerable amount of time and money on these frames. They had been fitted perfectly at 13 locations across the borough. We have them stored safely at our sign shop ready for collection – should the owner want them back.”

The “gilded superhero” has hinted that more signs might appear again because of the positive reaction the frames have received.

There is now an online petition to ask that the Council don’t remove any signs that have started appearing again in Teddington.

The story has been reported on by the BBC who asks “Is the Phantom Framer a vandal or an artist?”.

As more frames appear under the cover of darkness, the council seem to be softening their position on removing them quickly, with some remaining in place for several days.

Local news reporter Faye Barker has exclusively revealed that there are actually two Phantom Framers during an interview for ITV news. The piece contains a tantalising glimpse of the framers wearing masks along with the promise that “this is just the beginning“. You can view this online here:
www.itv.com/news/2015-04-22/meet-the-elusive-phantom-framer-s-of-teddington.

The Phantom Framers have struck again, leaving a gold frame hanging from a tree in Udney Park Gardens and encouraging locals to take a #phantomselfie. Hurry though, the frame will be disappearing on Wednesday 6th.

[Updaet 12/05/2015] The Phantom Framers have revealed their identify in this R&T Times interview – from But is it Art framing shop.

Comments

0 thoughts on “Who is the mystery Teddington framer?

  • I like it. It makes them stand out and looks very distinguished.

    Reply
    • Teddington resident

      I don’t like this at all. They look gimmicky, cheap and nasty. What’s the point?

      Reply
  • Local Resident

    Have to agree, does not look very nice at all. Anyone know why this has been done?

    Reply
  • I think they’re great!

    Reply
  • I think they look they great too, they made me smile 🙂

    Reply
  • tina cooke

    “As beautiful as these frames looked across Richmond they had to be taken down as they are not in keeping with our corporate policy for street signs and logos.”

    Finally. An admission from LBRUT that their ‘corporate policy’ is ugliness. Very counter cultural.

    Reply
  • Teddington resident

    The point is,that road signs are there to do a job,they are designed to be clear and uncluttered ,to a format that we all recognise when walking ,cycling or driving.To personalise these signs by framing them is to distract from their purpose.The frames don’t add any aesthetics,just novelty ,and fame for the framer.No more please.

    Reply
  • Teddington Resident

    To us personally the road signs do not need enhancing, they do the job that they are meant to do and we don’t like them framed and it all seems a total waste of time.

    Reply
  • Cheerful Teddington Resident

    Lighten up, for goodness’ sake Teddington resident. It’s just a bit of fun. (Look the word up if you’re unsure what it means).

    Reply
    • Teddington Resident

      I did look it up, thanks. It wasn’t far from “five-year-old”, which is clearly about your level of mentality. If you see the streets and signs as a playground, might I suggest you try the sandpit in Bushy Park instead? Much safer. Alternatively, get a grown-up to buy you some colouring-in books to keep you occupied. Meanwhile, keep your patronising comments to yourself.

      Reply
  • I heart Bushy Park

    A fantastic and fun way of doing something different. A bit of a sense of humour about a quirky novelty is needed by some people on here. This is the sort of stuff that makes Teddington a great place to live!

    Reply
  • Innes Blight

    Chill out everyone. It’s a little bit of levity to illuminate the mundane. Go with it.

    Reply
  • Good people of Teddington I want you to know the rules I adhere to, drawn up before my endeavours began:
    I frame sings, I do not obscure them. My frames surround signs, they do not cover them. The info they portray is not compromised by my work.
    I do not frame safety signs, just information signs.
    My frames are hand made, bespoke, high quality and gorgeous.
    Canine defecation rates decreased 102% since dog poo signs were Phantom Framed.
    Research at Broad St & High St recorded an increase of smiles by 27000%.

    Good day,
    PF

    Reply
    • Another Teddington resident

      well said

      Reply
  • Good people of Teddington I want you to know the rules I adhere to, drawn up before my endeavours began:
    I frame sings, I do not obscure them. My frames surround signs, they do not cover them. The info they portray is not compromised by my work.
    I do not frame safety signs, just information signs.
    My frames are hand made, bespoke, high quality and gorgeous.
    Canine defecation rates decreased 102% since dog poo signs were Phantom Framed.
    Research at Broad St & High St recorded an increase of smiles by 27000%.

    Good day,
    PF

    Reply
    • Another Teddington resident

      well said

      Reply
  • Love Living in Teds

    …. And more smiles from our household! Keep going PF! X

    Reply

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