A signwriting workshop by Joby Carter of Carters Steam Fair fame will take place this weekend.
Titled ‘Celebrating traditional skills in a digital age’, the event follows one in December that attracted hundreds of visitors.
The decorative artist and owner of Carters Steam Fair will be opening the doors to his White Waltham workshop on Sunday, March 24, for the event that aims to showcase traditional skills to anyone interested in letter forms and typography, and who appreciates old-fashioned skills and heritage crafts.
As well as seeing signwriters painting in a variety of different styles of lettering, visitors can also stock up on sign writing supplies from Joby Carter’s range of professional sign writing supplies, which includes brushes, palettes, mahl sticks and paints.
Joby’s two popular signwriting books will be on sale, as will his unique fine art prints and hand painted letters.
Alongside the signwriting event, there will also be the opportunity for fans of Carters Steam Fair to have a short yard tour at 10am where Joby will talk about the restoration work taking place on vintage vehicles – ready for their new owners.
They will also be able to see the new artwork for the 1930s Jungle Ark Thriller ride, which is being repainted with the new owners’ name.
Carters Steam Fair memorabilia, including publicity posters and original drawings used to create artwork at the fair, will be available to buy.
With more than 30 years of experience in the field of traditional signwriting, Joby has become a spokesperson for the craft and he has given talks on signwriting and its place in folk art at universities and art schools.
He said: “The first Signwriting Sunday event was a huge success, and it was a great way to celebrate the craft.
“I’ve always been very open to encouraging more people to learn about signwriting.
“If you show people how traditional signwriting is created, it makes them appreciate it and value it even more, which encourages the craft even more.
“I feel quite duty bound to share these skills. I was very lucky that I was shown how to signwrite so now I’m more than happy to encourage new people to signwrite and keep the traditional skills alive.”
The event will run from 10am until 4pm with free entry for all.
Joby will host the yard tour at 10am, and throughout the day visitors will be able to watch live signwriting demonstrations.
It takes place at Carters Yard, Grove Park Industrial Estate, Waltham Road, White Waltham, Maidenhead, SL6 3JF.
