Sign writing, gold leaf, heraldic art, pub signs, gilding and English heraldry

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The company have been involved with the repair and restoration of the above which is an original carved royal crest from the period of Charles I. It is all carved from one piece of timber and measures 60cm wide, 75cm high and 6.9cm thick.

Heraldry has been termed "the shorthand of history", the earliest known heraldic device is the Chaldean bas relief from 4,000 BC. In England it can be traced back to the Norman Conquest as the Saxons had no armory, the battle that changed our history took place some five miles from our studio at Senlac Hill. Heraldry was the sign or advertisement of belonging to the ranks of the nobility- a hereditary position.

The earliest crest is confirmed in 1198 for Geoffrey, Count of Anjou; the earliest authenticated instance of a regular crest is that afforded by the Great Seal of King Richard I.

Modern crests and logos are used by the state and local authorities, the emergency services and numerous other organisations.

Heraldry has always evolved and today the new 'nobility' and leaders of opinion include the music trade as you will see with the coat of arms designed and executed for DJ Sasha.

Within the licensed trade the arms or crest usually has the addition of the pub and brewers name. One good example is the John's Cross Inn; the hamlet of John's Cross was a marshalling point for the Crusaders under the banner of John of Jerusalem (John the Baptist) and his cross is incorporated within the sign.

	Arms of the Duke of York
	Crest of Ashford Borough Council
	Carved wooden family crest highlighted in gold leaf
	The concept of the design was to create a coat of arms that at first sight appeared totally traditional. On closer inspection it reveals the headphones on the helmet, the CD, the grape and weed and his name in musical notes.
	Based on Doyles arms, this sign was despatched to California, U.S.A.
	This sign was commissioned by the Count de Charny and includes his family crest.
	The Hanging Sign outside the John's Cross Inn, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex.
	A sign produced for a keen supporter of English national football.
	A family crest on a chair. The total height of the crest is 6cm.
	Our latest heraldic project is from the Commonwealth Wargrave Commission and is to completely renew the arms, banners and decorations of the Canadian Room at Brookwood, UK. The original heraldry was completed in 1951 and is now showing its age.