Thames Ditton Post Office vintage sign art


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24"x18"
A 1912 postcard from Surrey, England was our latest inspiration to celebrate the simple handpainted letter form. Busy municipal sign shops were once staffed with career signwriters and eager apprentices, and their unadorned works were hung throughout villages by the hundreds. The human hand brought warm personality to the most mundane of signs with nuances that can only be appreciated now that the golden age of the signwriter has passed. Original design.
$250
You’ll appreciate this link to Peter Hardwicke’s story, a modern-day village signwriter in London.
Peter Hardwicke on YouTube
Postcards Then and Now

Old Corner Bookstore vintage sign art

60"x10"
Throughout the mid 1800s, Boston’s “Old Corner Bookstore” (circa 1712, Boston’s first brick-made building) was the home of Ticknor and Fields Publishing and was a gathering place for literary giants such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Charles Dickens. Ever since, a succession of other publishers and booksellers have occupied the space. Threatened with demolition in 1960, this enchanting building (below, in 1900) was restored and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This authentic-looking sign reproduction is perfect for the historian, the avid reader or bookshop enthusiast.
$250
Link: Shorpy Historical Photo Archive
Click image to enlarge detail.



World Series scoreboard sign art

60"x12"
Game 7 ... the 1986 World Series ... the Red Sox lose to the Mets in a remarkable series that unfortunately redefined the meaning of heartbreak and the agony of defeat for Red Sox Nation. A tough game for these loyal Boston fans and life-long New Englanders who witnessed the game from the seats of Shea Stadium, but a favorite memory nonetheless.
(commissioned)

Rustic sign art for fair trade food packaging

New packaging for fair trade food products such as rice, sugar, quinoa, and an eleven-flavor line of chocolate bars incorporate our sign art to resemble brightly colored folk art found on stucco buildings in villages in developing countries. A Bay Area creative firm supplied the distinctive art direction as we executed 20 rustic illustrations for this re-branding effort.
(commisioned)

The Oyster House vintage sign art


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60"x8"
A recent trip to the stormy Oregon coast and a plate of oysters on the half shell inspired us to offer this weathered-looking piece. A useful size at five-feet wide, it’s simplicity will add rustic charm above a sideboard, resting on a mantel, or sitting above a row of upper cabinets. Perfect for a vacation home or beach house. Original design.
$275

Julien Family Fine Wines vintage sign art

60"x36"
Let the entertaining begin! After several years of designing and building, our clients finally moved into their dream home. He’s an avid wine collector, and she surprised him with this housewarming gift to hang outside his spacious, exquisitely appointed wine room complete with floor-to-ceiling 1,500-bottle storage. This sign is generously sized at five-feet wide and features a deeply beveled handcrafted frame. Original design. 
(commissioned)
Additional photos

Dr. Roy L. Peterson vintage sign art

42"x32"
An eastern Oregon doctor and his wife thought it best to honor his grandfather when deciding on an art piece to hang above their stone fireplace. Dr. Roy L. Peterson (and his father as well) worked as a doctor in Boise, Idaho generations ago, often flying to remote backcountry areas to treat his patients. Original design.
(commissioned)

Vintage-style bicycle shop sign art



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24"x18"

The Bike Commuter, one of Portland, Oregon’s newest bicycle shops, recently opened in the historic 1907 Sellwood Bank building. Creaky floor boards and distinct period details add historic flavor to the interior space — and the double-doored, walk-in bank vault still occupies the basement, now re-commissioned to protect stockpiled inventory. As the official bike mechanic for Nutmegger Workshop, we thought we’d make them a sign to show our appreciation for their trusted service.
Inset photo: pdxhistory.com

Portland Oregon’s premier lifestyle magazine



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28"x37"
Indeed! That’s our work on the cover of Portland Monthly magazine. We were honored when they called to explore the possibility of having us design and produce a cover piece for their 2011 Farmers Market issue. Many thanks to Jason Blackheart and all at SagaCity Media for believing in us and offering us this regional exposure. Original design. (commissioned)



Vintage Meier & Frank sign art reproduction


27"x27"

A gift for friends of the Workshop
to commemorate their lineage to the Meier family. In 1857, 26-year-old Aaron Meier (great, great grandfather) opened his small mercantile on Front Street in Portland, Oregon. Twenty-eight  years later he partnered with Emil Frank and the store became known as Meier & Frank. In 1909, construction began on their magnificent flagship Portland store which sits opposite Pioneer Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown. After 151 years, the Meier & Frank name was discontinued in 2008 when the store became Macy’s. Inspired by a sign seen tucked away in a 1905 photograph.
Thanks to Vintage Portland and PDX History for use of links to their photos.



Portland Public Market vintage sign art





65"x11"
In 1933, the “million-dollar” indoor Portland (Oregon) Public Market opened on Front Street. As ambitious as this venture was, it was never quite as successful as the city’s smaller predecessors such as Central Public Market, which it intended to replace. The venture closed in 1944 and the colossal building eventually became the home of the Oregon Journal (Tom McCall Waterfront Park now occupies this space). Today, market enthusiasts and developers are pursuing a new site for the next-generation Portland Public Market. Perfect for a kitchen, loft, or commercial space. Original design. Just over 5-feet wide.
$425

Sanctuary of Our Lady of St. Martin’s Hill


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27"x42"
This piece celebrates a family’s northern Italian heritage and a beloved little hilltop church that sits high above the community of Besano, overlooking the Swiss border. With sweeping territorial views, this ancient Sanctuary of Our Lady of St. Martin’s Hill, now only open for special occasions, is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Original design.
(commissioned)
Inset photo: Flickr 

Hotel Spencer vintage sign, founded 1856


42"x38"
Marion, Indiana proprietor Jacob Spencer (our client’s great great great grandfather) opened the first “Spencer House” in 1856 on bustling downtown Adams Street. Changing its appearance and monikor more than a few times through the years, the hotel was undoubtedly built to offer only the very best in midwestern hospitality and eventually became known as “The Traveling Man’s Home.” Original design with 3" half-round handmade frame.
(commissioned)

Vintage law office lobby sign


66"x23"
A Portland, Oregon patent attorney’s wife decided his firm’s lobby needed functional art with a bit of scale to fill a void that had needed attention for some time. Our instructions were to design a vintage-style sign that “looked old — but not damaged.” A refined black-and-gold combination with classic early 1900s letter forms make for a warm and trusted greeting. (commissioned)

Maples Tavern vintage sign art

36"x24"
A friend of the Workshop with promising entrepreneurial spirit, a solid business idea and a passion for striking out on his own, dreams to one day open his own old-time tavern after graduating from college. When he approached us to make a sign to keep his dream alive during these next several years, we were happy to oblige. Best of luck Ryan! Original design.

London Tea Rooms, vintage sign art

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 above an old shuttered tea room in London’s Camden borough. New tenants recently painted over the entire facade, including the sign. Just over 5-feet wide.
$395
Brief history of this storefront at Painted Signs and Mosaics
Photo below: Niznoz, Flickr


Honoring shared memories and service to others


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48"x20"
An anniversary gift to commemorate where a couple first met years ago while working at this inner-city youth shelter. In 1975, the neighborhood center was founded to “involve and empower low-income residents,” and today, “Preble Street has become the hub of programs for the most vulnerable and underserved residents of Portland — creating solutions for homelessness, hunger and poverty.” Please visit their website. Original design.
(commissioned)

The Hat Box, 1920s Portland vintage sign art


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60"x30"

1920s Portland, Oregon was certainly the center of style and sophistication. Downtown streets bustled with shoppers, horses, streetcar railways and Model-T Fords — and just off the corner of 2nd and Morrison was this popular haberdashery. We carefully replicated the sign’s original size and shape (though we took liberties with the type design) and constructed it from reclaimed wood. Sign hangs away from the wall several inches for added dimension. Perfect for a restaurant, pub, the urban historian, or a hat enthusiast! Five-feet wide at the brim tips.
$495

Vintage sign art for White Ash Farm, Connecticut






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60"x24", 10.5"x30", 16"x16"
An architect called to commission three signs for an old barn remodel in rural western Connecticut. A large home theater and a well-stocked bar will occupy the new space, complete with old horse stalls and vintage tack room — perfect for entertaining guests at this weekend retreat. Project photos to come.
(commissioned)

Bun Mee Vietnamese Eatery - San Francisco


18"x24"

Innovative graphic design studio MineTM asked us to produce an interior decor piece for San Francisco’s newest sandwich shop. A bold new identity design and crisp interior renovation has Bun Mee ready to serve up their creative fusions for their April 2011 grand opening. According to staff, they’ll be ready with “traditional and modern takes on street food and bánh mi inspired sandwiches.” Sign features the first letter of the restaurant’s new logo.
(commissioned)
Photos below courtesy of Bun Mee and Nathan Sharp

“Live and Let Live” eagle restoration


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Clients of ours asked us to restore this antique they purchased while traveling in California. The bare-wood crude carving had a note glued to the back with faint handwriting which read: ... war of 1812 ... Her Majesty’s Frigate the Shannon ... Hailing Board or Stern Board. The owner is actively researching its nautical past, though the exact age and purpose of this piece may never be known. We were honored to have the chance to bring this work back to life. Just under 4 feet in length.


Stevens River Ranch custom sign art

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60"x24"
We jumped at the opportunity to design this custom piece. A family’s love for the rugged outdoors led them east of Seattle to a site on the Snoqualmie River, where they built their dream home as close as possible to what they love most — flyfishing. Rustic beams and reclaimed wood on the interior and exterior has this comfortable Craftsman-style lodge feeling as though it was built generations ago. The large foyer was the perfect spot to proudly celebrate their new home’s name. 5 feet wide.
(commissioned)

Oyster and Prime Rib vintage restaurant signs



20"x13.5" and 21.75"x 14.75
Belly up to the crowded bar with friends for a dozen oysters and a few cold beers, then head upstairs to the bustling dining room for the specialty of the house. Inspired by 40-year-old memories of Boston’s historic (1827) Durgin-Park Market Dining Rooms. Add nostalgic character to your home by commemorating your favorite restaurant or destination. See our Commission Work page for details on how to get started.

$325 for the pair
Below: Vintage Durgin-Park staff photo in restaurant’s lobby




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