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

Trompe l'oeil is perhaps best defined as an image or illustration that tricks or deceives the eye. The popularity of this art form declined some fifty years ago, but in recent years has made a substantial comeback in both residential and commercial premises. Perhaps the reason for this is that so many aspects of modern life have become uniform and sterile; for example the decoration policies of some hotel, pub groups and multiple outlets.

There seems to be an artistic and emotional need to break out of this visual straightjacket; the personal or corporate need to commission something which is unique through the traditional skills and eye of the artist.

We have several examples of this art form at the 'Gallery' (John's Cross Inn). These can either be painted directly onto walls or on panel. Our normal chosen medium is enamel paint because of its colour retention, longevity and the fact that it can even be displayed externally.

The following photographs are all thumbnail pictures. Please click on the ones you wish to see at a larger scale and they will open in a new window. When you have finished, please close that window to return here. Thank you.

	Close-up of the above entrance hall panel
	Panel in the "smallest dining room" (in John's Cross) lady in blue with friends
	Panel window scene in the games room
	This is painted directly on the walls in the passage from lounge to games room
	Colour section painted onto a mirror with 'shadow' painted onto the wall
	Pictorial at antique shop to cover old door