Sign of the times. .

The Moneymakers Arms: Pub sign artist's business is booming despite the recession

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
UPDATED: 07:00 EST, 19 July

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2016209/Pub-sign-artists-business-booming-despite-recession.html#ixzz47tbGI8BZ
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Hanging proudly outside, the traditional pub name sign is as important a part of a British pub as the bitter and pork scratchings served inside.

And for one man the naming of pubs - and the signs outside - is big business.

Pub sign artist Andrew Grundon's business is booming, despite the recession claiming 25 bars and inns every week.

Impressive: Artist Andrew Grundon designs another sign for a local pub, with business booming despite the recession

Intricate: Andrew applies the finishing touches to his sign for the Masons Arms

Andrew, 43, worked as professional painter for 12 years before applying for a job as the sign writer at St Austell Brewery, Cornwall.

He now runs his own company, Signature Signs, and uses the traditional method of hand-painting pub signs which dates back to the 14th century.

It takes Andrew and average of eight days to complete each sign.

And despite an average of 1,300 pubs closing in the UK every year, demand for his skills is at an all time high.

Detailed: Each of Adam's signs takes around eight days to complete

Colourful creations: Andrew shows off a selection of signs from his collection, which are created using methods dating back to the 14th century

Andrew, from Wadebridge, Cornwall, said: 'I think that pub signs are starting to come back.

'They had been dying off, but there seems to have been a resurgence lately.

'I'd always admired pub signs for their artistic merit - I don't think people always realise how much work and detail goes into them.'

A Royal Act passed in 1393 made it compulsory for pubs and inns to have a sign hanging outside, allowing official ale testers and a largely illiterate population to identify them.

Source

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2016209/Pub-sign-artists-business-booming-despite-recession.html#ixzz47tb7H3Za
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