A gem of a framing shop and art gallery in Hoylake is doing great work to support local artists. Hooked Up on Birkenhead Road offers gorgeous bespoke frames that help artists sell their work and also displays their work for sale in the shop — selling a few pieces a week for local artists.
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
Hooked Up was opened by art lover Sean Hughes in 2022, purely by chance. A granite and marble specialist and a top DJ for the likes of Cream, Sean’s life changed forever when he visited the framing shop, then called Acorn, to choose a bespoke frame for his latest piece of art.
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
Sean got talking to the owner at the time, who told him he was going to retire after being there for years. He discovered that high street picture framing shops were a dying breed, largely due to cheap online offerings from the likes of Ikea, but despite the risk he thought about it over Christmas and decided to buy the little business and save it.
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
It has proven to be a great move by art lover Sean. He changed the name to Hooked Up and decided to blend the shop with a gallery to display local artists’ work and it’s taken off big time! Three years later and he’s busier than ever — working long days and seven days a week to keep up with art lovers’ and artists’ demand for his beautiful bespoke frames.
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
Sean explained: “In the modern age of internet shopping and rising costs, it’s tough for little high street businesses. Big corporates come in and try to out-price them and take over the market. I used to love coming in to Acorn Framing to purchase a new frame for my latest piece of art, as I’d chat to the guy about art and you really got that personal touch.”
He continued: “I felt quite sad to think that he’d be closing and it might not be there after he retired. I feel it’s important to keep these little high street gems alive so after lots of thought I decided to quit my good job with my brother and take it on. It was a big risk but introducing a mini art gallery to help support local artists was a great move — they buy frames from me and I help them sell their work.”
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
Hooked Up has developed a positive eco-system for art lovers and artists alike, whilst keeping the little high street business going — in a niche industry that’s becoming more rare. Whilst Sean works long hours and often seven days a week, it’s the connections with customers and artists and knowing he’s saved a business that keeps him going.
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
Sean summarised: “I often leave here late at night but I love what I do. I love chatting with customers about art and creating the perfect bespoke frame for their piece of art, favourite photograph, portrait, poster, sports memorabilia, vinyls or anything else.”
He continued: “I meet some cool artists and display some amazing work. It feels great knowing I’ve saved this little business — we need to keep places like this going otherwise we’ll be living in a cold world of online shopping.”
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
Sean Hughes owns Hooked Up, based at 42 Birkenhead Road in Hoylake, and offering bespoke framing for art, photographs, portraits, posters, memorabilia, vinyls and more — with thousands of different options available. Sean works on a free quotation basis and also displays local artists’ work for sale on a revolving basis.
Hooked Up / 42 Birkenhead Road, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 3BW / 07511 689073
FOR A FREE QUOTE FOR FRAMING CALL 07511 689073 OR POP IN
