SERVICE ENQUIRY

Signwriting - sometimes referred to as signpainting - is the art of using handpainted letters to convey information. Traditionally this would have been used for advertisement, vehicles and other forms of signage. The origins of signwriting can be traced back to the Romans, yet it was the Victorian era when signwriting in the form we know it became established.

Fairground art has long been neglected by historical, archival and art documentation yet it has been a key part of fairgrounds’ ‘visual voice’ in commanding attention from the public. Elaborate, flamboyant and embellished, fairground art was often influenced by popular culture and various art periods. It involves lettering, scrolling, scenic art and lining.

I began practicing traditional signwriting in 2011 following a period of study with signwriter and showman, Joby Carter. In 2014 I expanded my skillset to learn the craft of fairground art. Since then I have continued to refine my skillset, undertaking periods of study in scrollwork, canal boat art and gold leaf.

Growing up immersed in travelling steam fairs is one of the primary reasons why I became a traditional signwriter and so specialising in the industries that are reminiscent of this upbringing seems logical. Specialising has also allowed me to carve out a niche in the industry as well as draw on my extensive knowledge and research undertaken in this industries.

All my work is undertaken in a traditional manner, as a signwriter would have done 100 years ago: it is important to me to maintain an authentic approach to this craft. As such, I draw and paint every element by hand - from initial sketch to final production - using no tape, nor digital assistance. I work with specialist paint manufacturers - Craftmaster - who produce enamel paint and have an established knowledge of the industries I specialise in and the colours originally used. For gold leaf work, I use 23.5 carat gold.

I have worked for many notable clients that showcase excellent in craft, including: Penhaligon’s Perfumery, Smythsons, Taylors of Harrogate and Quadrille Press. I have utilised my craft of traditional signwriting within set design for Netflix’s production The Crown, across FFP New Media’s work and for Kneehigh Theatre. I have been commissioned by established folk institutions, including Cecil Sharp House. This is all alongside many clients in the fairground, circus, steam and heritage industries.

Once I’ve received all the relevant details for the work required, I will give you a quote with a detailed breakdown (if relevant, this will include a pricing scale). The quote will include material costs and a predicted timeframe. If the work is on-site, this will be subject to travel and, if relevant, accommodation costs.

This depends slightly on the nature, scale and location of the work required: usually my availability is in 3-4 months.

I tend to facilitate workshops in conjunction with galleries, archives or community spaces: I run the workshop but the advertising, booking and organisation of the workshop is undertaken by the gallery, etc. Usually, workshops tend to be 2-days and participants focus on producing a sign: either a single letter or short word. All materials are provided.

I am interested in delivering talks about the craft of signwriting and my work/experiences as a signwriter, my PhD work, and my work as a Curatorial Trustee of the Fairground Heritage Trust and discussing our collection of artwork. I use a pdf of images to visually evidence the work I’m discussing and can deliver talks between 20 minutes to 1 hour, both in-person and online. I am happy to hold a Q&A session to accompany the talk.

I am interested in participating in both group and solo exhibitions and am always keen to produce new work in respond to a given brief or theme. I am primarily interested in featuring in exhibitions that are bringing craft to the foreground, and those that are examining letterforms and folk culture.

At the moment, I am not looking to take on an apprentice. I do occasionally employ assistants for large-scale site jobs - please get in touch with a portfolio of work and breakdown of your skills / experience if you’d like to be considered.