Nutmegger Workshop

The Oyster House vintage sign art

2012-02-06T18:41:00.001-08:00

• CLICK IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW •

60"x8"
A back-to-basics example of why we love doing what we do. 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

2012-01-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T10:57:00.001-08:00

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

2011-10-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

• CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW •

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.

The Bike Commuter - website | Facebook | news article

Inset photo: pdxhistory.com

Portland Oregon’s premier lifestyle magazine

2011-10-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

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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)

Step-by-step production photo album

Society for Publication Designers (SPD) – Best Covers

Vintage Meier & Frank sign art reproduction

2011-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Rustic sign art for fair trade food packaging

2011-09-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

New packaging for fair trade food products such as rice, sugar, quinoa, and an eleven-flavor line of chocolate bars will 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 colorful design work and art direction as we executed 20 rustic illustrations for this re-branding effort. Final product images to come.

Additional images

(commisioned)

Portland Public Market vintage sign art

2011-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-05T00:40:00.000-07:00

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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

2011-09-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

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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

2011-05-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

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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

2011-04-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

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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.

60"x24", 10.5"x30", 16"x16"

(commissioned)

Additional detail photos

Bun Mee Vietnamese Eatery - San Francisco

2011-03-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

Bun Mee launch party photos

“Live and Let Live” eagle restoration

2011-01-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

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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.

See our production photos

(commisioned)

Stevens River Ranch custom sign art

2011-01-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

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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

2010-12-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

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

Vintage bakery shop sign art

2010-11-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

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22"x18"

Know someone who loves to bake? These two vintage-looking signs could have hung in a busy neighborhood bakery. A traditional signwriter’s font with simple typographic embellishments make these a charming duo. Inspired by the wording on an old faded brick ad in London. Made to fit deeply-beveled recycled picture frames. Offered as a pair.

$325

Visit Painted Signs and Mosaics, featuring the stories behind London’s ghost signs.

An order from an upscale Maine design shop

2010-10-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

82"x12" and 24"x6"

A shop owner

contacted us to order a shipment of signs for her upscale Herringbones design shop in Ogunquit, a quintessential coastal Maine village south of Kennebunk. Settled in 1686 (yes, 1686), Ogunquit has managed to remain small with just about 1500 year-round residents today.

Monsieur Chevrel, pâtissier, sign art

2010-10-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

60" x 12.25"

There is nothing like memories from a trip to Paris. Pastry shops and bakeries often have signs like this above its doors or hanging in its windows. The aromas from Monsieur Chevrel’s ovens can linger forever in your kitchen or dining room. Inspired by an antique tin original. Our original made from a recycled 1920s tongue-and-groove fir panel (reclaimed wood used if available) and a shop-milled ogee frame. 5 feet wide. Below is a recent custom-order version. Made to order.

$425

Bittner Bay Crabbing Co. vintage sign art

2010-09-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

30"x22"

A wife’s wedding anniversary gift for a husband who loves crabbing on the Oregon coast.

(commissioned)

Crabbing photos courtesy of the Bittner family.

Durgin-Park Market Dining Room Sign Art

2010-09-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

38.25" x 19"

Just like the small sign that used to hang above the entrance to the historic 1827 Durgin-Park restaurant in Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. A similar, updated sign hangs there now. Old-fashioned Yankee cooking at its best. How about honoring your favorite restaurant? Custom orders are welcome.

(personal collection)

Lait garanti pur, vintage sign

2010-09-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

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 — or épicerie. “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 in Portland, Oregon, or made to order.

$225

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

Vintage Rumely Oil Pull Tractor sign art

2010-07-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

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 Rumely photos on Flickr

Rumley enthusiasts on Facebook

The Nutmegger video (work in progress)

2010-07-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

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.

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

Versailles in the Pearl vintage sign art

2010-06-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

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!

Catch Nehalem Bay Crab

2010-05-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

J. D. Paulsen, Machinist, vintage sign art

2010-05-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

• CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW •

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

2010-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

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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.

2010-03-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

60"x26"

An Aberdeen, Washington collector commissioned 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, Washington 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.

Ganterie et Bonneterie vintage sign art

2010-02-05T23:20:00.000-08:00

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 in Portland, Oregon.

$560

See Our Work!

2010-02-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

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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 “Find 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 vintage sign art

2009-12-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

• CLICK IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW •

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 (photo below) 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

Below: Ghost Signs on Flickr

Walthamstow Antiquarian Society

2009-12-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

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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

2009-11-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

• CLICK IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW •

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

Dore & Cook

2009-09-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

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

Avery & Co. Hardware

2009-08-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

49.75" x 35.5"

Historic Portland, Oregon hardware store that occupied several locations before settling in on 3rd near Ash in oldtown. Remnants of this original were captured with a cell phone in August of 2008. Months later, and quite possibly after a century of exposure, a new vinyl billboard poster was adhered over this popular image.

$375

A Tribute in Boston’s Faneuil Hall Rotunda

2009-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

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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

2009-06-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

• CLICK IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW •

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

2009-02-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

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

Portland’s New York Grocery, circa 1912

2009-02-28T07:06:00.001-08:00

98.5" x 26"

8-foot-long, heavy-duty replica of what once hung above the 1915 Portland, Oregon storefront at 420 Morrison and 11th. 420 Morrison no longer exists due to a new downtown street numbering system. The MAX train turnaround now occupies this site. Made to order.

$550

Home interior – Thanks to Bruce and Eileen McKinney

Historic photos courtesy of Thomas Robinson (1915, above) and Vintage Portland (1912, below).

Dining Rooms

2009-02-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

80.25" x 9.25"

Nearly 7 ft. in length, this sign was inspired by old hotel and restaurant banquet room entries.
$225

Steamer America

2009-02-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

56.25" x 24"
One of many signs spotted in a photo of the turn-of-the-century Portland, Oregon waterfront. Made to order.
$275

Authentic scale and time-worn look

2009-01-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

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Large or small, our signs are inspired by original signage seen in historic photos of Portland, Oregon and other great cities. Our largest sign to date is 11 feet across, and one recently taped out at 8 feet. For larger spaces, these signs create a comfortable ambiance that is uniquely memorable.

Our goal is to create a product that looks like it was taken off the facade of a building in an old photograph. Distressed finishes are “comfortable” — not heavy-handed — and our final product is free of chipping paint and rough edges. Much effort is taken to recreate and preserve old letterforms to create a handmade product that is believable and guaranteed to add notable character to your interior.

Top: 1928 Portland waterfront being dredged for a new harbor seawall. Tom McCall Waterfront Park now occupies this area. City of Portland Archives.

Bottom: Philadelphia, 1911. City of Philadelphia Department of Records.