Artist Linda vows to keep hand-painted signage alive

Artist Linda vows to keep hand-painted signage alive

27 October 2021

STRANGFORD woman Linda Artherton is determined to help keep alive the art of hand painted signage.

Following in her father Percy’s footsteps, Linda has recently completed a commission for Kevin Og newsagent in Strangford. This is her first assignment since returning to live in Northern Ireland.

“I was delighted when Kevin asked me to paint his shop sign and when the existing sign came down, we discovered three other signs underneath which had been painted by my dad, one of them stretching back 50 years,” she said.

“There was a time when all shop front and pub signs were hand-painted. In the local area most of them were painted by my dad but only a few of the originals remain, Collins’ bar in Downpatrick and The Hole in the Wall in Strangford being good examples of his work.”

Linda said that the art and craft of hand painted signage was making a comeback everywhere as business owners were beginning to value the unique results.

“A town or village centre is enhanced by this visual art form as the sameness of plastic signage does not have the same impact,” she continued.

“I think more and more businesses across Ireland are beginning to realise this and are beginning to show a new appreciation for this nearly lost craft.

“I also believe that an important part of the drive to lure shoppers back to street shopping is to make our shop fronts and businesses more attractive. Innovative retailers and businesses can differentiate themselves at a glance from all too common digitally produced signage which is largely uninspiring and generic.”

Linda has lived in Spain for the past 20 years and while there painted a number of signs, applied boat names and made boat lifebelt designs.

“I’ve had a good teacher in dad who painted everything from church noticeboards to huge shop signage and often signs which included scenic landscapes behind the writing as in the early boards for golf tournaments in Newcastle. It’s really heartening to think that this craft is making a comeback.”

Kevin Og said he was very pleased with the final outcome. 

He added: “I’m delighted with the sign. I’ve had a lot of very positive reactions particularly from people who appreciate the craftsmanship of the work.

“Linda’s father, Percy painted my first sign when I came to Strangford. It’s fitting that his daughter should carry on the good work.” 

If you would like a consultation, contact Linda on 07526 740257 or 028 4488 1785 or lartherton@hotmail.es