Back in June I posted a brief item about signwriting based on a photo of a couple of guys I noticed hard at work in my town here in Australia (see here).
I was delighted last night to catch on the local news a brief item about the work of a signwriter down in Newcastle, Australia by the name of Brett Piva. Check out this documentary movie. (You may also like to check out some of my past blogs on the subject.)
The reason give for the renewed interest in signwriting? It’s a reaction against: the non-creativity of laser/vinyl printing etc; the desire to see the human touch and spirit; the movement against conformity and sameness everywhere. This feeds into any kind of lettering – be in stone or on paper.
I’m greatly encouraged. Indeed Edward Catich, were he alive today, would have been delighted, since he started off as a Chicago signwriter before he pursued research on Roman inscriptions that led to his marvellous and, still relevant, The Origin of the Serif.
Note – the illustration is taken from Lewery, A.J. (1989). Signwritten Art. David and Charles, London and shows the work of a Cumbrian (UK) tradesman.