The Nutmegger video (work in progress)

Intended to be an ambitious video, this project has humbly settled into a simple slideshow format for now. The absence of the very important voice-over track (working on it) makes this an unfinished version. For now, simply enjoy the images — which will be edited down, and added to again — and the mesmerizing music of Ry Cooder, which I’m not all that sure I can use. Feedback would be appreciated.

Link to 2-minute video/slideshow on Vimeo.com

Portland design blog reviews the Workshop

Read up on a great review at The ZehnKatzen Times. Thanks Sam!

Vintage Rumely Oil Pull Tractor sign

36"x26"

An antique tractor enthusiast commissioned us to make this handsome replica of the Rumely Oil Pull logo. From 1853 to 1931 Meinrad Rumely’s massive tractors and threshing machines were lauded as the “best tractors ever built.” Nowadays, Rumely collectors gather at events and expositions around the country to proudly display their mechanical relics. Below is our client’s 1928 Rumely Model X and 1926 Model M.

(commissioned)

More photos of Rumely Tractors.

More Rumely photos on Flickr

Rumley enthusiasts on Facebook

Tea Rooms, London

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64"x13.25"

“Do not stir your tea in sweeping circular motions. Place your tea spoon at the six o’clock position and softly fold the liquid towards the twelve o’clock position two or three times.”

Ah, yes, tea etiquette is paramount with Brits and practiced in tea rooms all around London and the United Kingdom. This near-replica was inspired by a weathered sign that still hangs above an old shuttered tea room in London’s Camden borough.

$375

Photo below: Jane’s London, Flickr

Versailles in the Pearl

We made this piece as a thank you to Gerard Philippon, proprietor of this upscale shop in Portland’s Pearl District, for believing in us and confidently displaying our work along side his wonderful tapestries and exquisite French antiques. Please visit his shop, Versailles Interiors, on 11th between Everett and Davis. Merci Gerard!

Lait garanti pur

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17.5"x25.5"

Our inspiration (right) still hangs along the boulevard in Paris’s upscale 8th arrondissement. A vintage remnant from a local grocery establishment perhaps — or épicerie — that thrived generations ago. “Milk guaranteed pure, arrival 2 times per day.” Will feel right at home in a country kitchen, and equally as well in a sleek, contemporary counterpart. Currently available at Europa Antiques (on 13th between Nehalem and Spokane) in Sellwood.

$225

Inset photo courtesy of Vicki Archer. Visit VickiArcher.com and her “French Essence” blog site.

Catch Nehalem Bay Crab

28"x40"

Last summer, blue skies and all the right equipment made for a great haul of Dungeness crab on Nehalem Bay along Oregon’s northern coast. Since then, we’ve been thinking about designing a nostalgic “Oregon Coast” sign series to commemorate favorite beaches and seaside towns. Let’s consider this our first offering. What could be more perfect for display in a beach house or condo? Have a favorite spot on the coast? Let us know. Original design.

$325

Photos courtesy of Crickett and Chris Bittner.

J. D. Paulsen, Machinist

60"x22"

One of four pieces ordered by our newest client back East to celebrate family and place. Commissioned by Mr. Paulsen’s family to commemorate his self-made career that has spanned more than five decades. In addition to crafting small, precision aircraft parts, Paulsen’s unassuming machine shop also crafts the indispensable Rigby cloth stripping machine, a table-mounted, hand-cranked workhorse used by rug braiders and weavers around the world. Original design.

(commissioned)

Thomaston, Maine

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97"x10.5"

As early as 1630, a

trading post was established on the eastern bank of the St. George River in southern Maine. 150 years later, Thomaston — named after General John Thomas of the Continental Army — was incorporated in 1777. Many settlers arrived in Thomaston following the Revolutionary War in 1783, and today, about 5,000 residents call Thomaston home. Original design inspired by old town hall and post office signs. 8 feet in length.

(commissioned)

Bridgton, Maine

72"x17.25"

Bridgton is nestled among tall pines and along the shores of Highland Lake some 40 miles northwest of Portland. Incorporated in 1794, it quickly developed as an industrial center, with sawmills, gristmills and woolen textile mills. By the mid-1800s, the small town contained about 3,000 residents. Today, 150 years later, Bridgton proudly boasts a loyal 5,000-plus residents who most certainly enjoy small-town life at its very best. Original design.

(commissioned)

Inset: Painted scene on Highland Lake, Bridgton, from a 1908 postcard. Wikipedia.

Town Line, Gorham, Maine

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9"x52"

New England townships typically have a version of this vertical town-line marker mounted to posts along the shoulders of main roads. Decommissioned signs that have been replaced due to age and harsh roadside conditions may be found hanging in local pubs, game rooms and garages — quietly celebrating home-town pride. Original design.

(commissioned)

Hemrich Bros. Brewing Co.

60"x26"

An Aberdeen, Washington collector contacted us to commission this prohibition-era replica. The Seattle-based Hemrich brothers brewed beer in various forms from 1897 through 1940, when the company was sold — ending the Hemrich brand. Hemrich’s Select was the the first beer sold legally in Seattle after the 1933 prohibition repeal. The original sign was recently discovered in the attic of Duffy’s restaurant in Aberdeen and has been tagged for museum display. Founder Alvin Hemrich is seated at front-left in this early, brew-crew photo.

(commissioned)

Historic photo of courtesy of BreweryGems.com.

Visit BreweryGems.com for more local brewer history.

See Our Work!

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We are working to get our signs into Portland shops where you can experience them first-hand. For locations, click the “See Our Work” link in the right margin under The Essential Workshop. The charming sign in the magazine ad above is for sale at Europa Antiques (on 13th between Nehalem and Spokane) in Sellwood.

Henri Fichot’s House of Paris

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96"x26"

A respectful, albeit abbreviated interpretation of a great old sign on a country barn in France (below). Vetements de Travail, or “working clothes,” was Monsieur Fichot’s business. Web searches and Google Earth street views for 17 Avenue de la Gare turned up no further information. A warm, golden-tan background, red lettering and a generous 8-feet of rustic charm is guaranteed to warm up any space. See this sign in Portland at Versailles Interiors, on N.W. 11th Ave., between Everett and Davis, in the Pearl.

$1100

Workshop photos: Sophie Vogel Photography

Below: Ghost Signs on Flickr

Walthamstow Antiquarian Society

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98"x28"

Walthamstow, England was founded in 1075 as Wilcumestowe—“The Place of Welcome.” In 1914—nearly 900 years later—an antiquarian society was established. Its Web site states: The origins of the Society lie in a small band of enthusiasts who were keen to further the study of local history and publish books in which such knowledge would be available “for all comers and for all time.” The group eventually changed their name to Walthamstow Historical Society. Typography inspired by a fading sign in the age-old London borough which reads “Walthamstow School of Shorthand & Typewriting.” Just over 8 feet in length, with loads of character.

$495

Bottom photo: estherase, Ghost signs on Flickr

Correct Liveries for Every Occasion

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30.5" x 20.5"

Original sign spotted hanging above a well-appointed, and well-staffed, turn-of-the-century menswear shop in Boston’s Jordan Marsh department store. At least 18 sales associates are standing at-the-ready in the picture below. Generations-old language makes this sign an instant conversation piece — we just had to add it to our collection.

$250

Historic photo – PDX History

Ganterie et Bonneterie

50.5" x 25"

Inspired by a small sign overlooking an early 1900s Paris garment district street scene. “Makers of gloves and hosiery.” Worn gold lettering and old-world charm will add character to any room. Just over 4 feet wide. Currently available at Europa Antiques (on 13th between Nehalem and Spokane) in Sellwood.

$560

Dore & Cook

41.5" x 30"

Typography that graced a building side on Portland’s bustling Front Avenue in the early 1900s. Large presses outfitted with noisy steam engines were once the workhorses of the publishing industry. Designed to fit an oversized flea market picture frame.

$275

Top: City of Portland Archives

Below: West Sussex Gazette steam printing machine, 1890s England

A Tribute in Boston’s Faneuil Hall Rotunda

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Homage to the old businesses of Boston’s historic waterfront. Storefront and building facia signs from a century ago hang in the rotunda of Faneuil Hall for public view.

Photos courtesy of Alecia Armstrong

Grand Lodges at Collins Lake Resort

Our first commercial order. 78 signs were ordered by Kimberlee Jaynes Interior Designs for Grand Lodges resort at Mt. Hood. Original, nostalgic signs of various sizes (a few shown above, and below) were designed and fabricated by Nutmegger Workshop and installed throughout 16 luxury condos in Government Camp, Oregon.

F.E. Vogel Pianomaker, Est. 1845

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46.25" x 30"

An original design inspired by 150-year-old factory documents from a mid-1800s pianomaker in Dresden, Germany. No other known records of this factory exist due to the fire bombing of Dresden in 1945 and the total destruction of city archives. Efforts to locate an F.E. Vogel piano have proved futile until recently, when a simple Google search turned up a fine specimen in the UK being offered for free (inset). Sign made from a 1920s reclaimed door panel. Gold-brushed letters simulate aging gold leaf.

$475

Dresden photos: 1910 Dresden city center and 1945 bombing aftermath, Wikipedia photos

Commissioned, Personalized Sign Examples

Designed to fit your custom spaces
Whether you’re celebrating your spouse’s love for skiing or a marriage proposal on a beautiful beach in Maine, these examples of custom, personalized signs keep favorite places and memories alive. A great idea for vacation home decor.

Custom order prices based on size and complexity

Patisserie Shop

60" x 12.25"
There is nothing like memories from a trip to Paris. Pastry shop storefronts often have signs like this above its doors or hanging in its windows. Perfect for kitchens or dining rooms. Currently working on Boulangerie (bakery) and Chocolaterie shop signs. 5 feet wide.
$325