Printers' signs, part 1 (Go to part 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
On Saturday I returned to the British Museum to have a second look at the current exhibition of Mexican prints, a worthy follow-up to last year’s American Scene (although I don’t agree with the legend that accompanies the poster for the 1952 meeting of the Confederación de Trabajadores de América Latina...). Some of the prints on show are absolutely superb and testify not only to the talent of the artists but also to the skills of the printers.
Obviously not all printers would have been able to master the techniques required for fine art printing, and in any case many wouldn’t even have needed them to honour the orders placed by their customers. But did the painted signs some printers paid for reflect their versatility? Below are a few examples of such signs, ranging from simple to more elaborate ones, from bare to pretty descriptive ones.
Showing posts with label Lewes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lewes. Show all posts
Monday, 23 November 2009
W. E. Baxter, Lewes
Printers' ghost signs, part 6 (Go to part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7)
Moving up the ladder, we find these signs with gilded letters for W. E. Baxter Ltd, both of which seem to have been repainted shortly before the firm relocated from Lewes to Mitcham a few years ago. The printing and publishing business was originally set up in 1802 by John Baxter, who is credited with the invention of the composition ink roller. One of his sons, George Baxter was a celebrated engraver and printer, who invented a colour printing process that made reproduction of paintings possible and cheap. However George Baxter had very little business sense and died an empoverished man. It was under John's grand-son W. E. Baxter that the family business, which from 1837 included the Sussex Agricultural Express, expanded. In 1888 the firm was successful enough to become a limited company.
W. E. Baxter Ltd
Printers
Founded
1802
W. E. Baxter Ltd
Printers
Bookbinders
Stationers
Order Office
Door on Right
This sign was painted over an earlier one which read:W. E. Baxter Ltd
Printers Stationers
Wholesale Accounts
Bookbinders ...rers
Order Office
... on ...
Location: High Street, Lewes, East Sussex / Picture taken on: 27/06/2009
Moving up the ladder, we find these signs with gilded letters for W. E. Baxter Ltd, both of which seem to have been repainted shortly before the firm relocated from Lewes to Mitcham a few years ago. The printing and publishing business was originally set up in 1802 by John Baxter, who is credited with the invention of the composition ink roller. One of his sons, George Baxter was a celebrated engraver and printer, who invented a colour printing process that made reproduction of paintings possible and cheap. However George Baxter had very little business sense and died an empoverished man. It was under John's grand-son W. E. Baxter that the family business, which from 1837 included the Sussex Agricultural Express, expanded. In 1888 the firm was successful enough to become a limited company.
Printers
Founded
1802
Printers
Bookbinders
Stationers
Order Office
Door on Right
This sign was painted over an earlier one which read:
Printers Stationers
Wholesale Accounts
Bookbinders ...rers
Order Office
... on ...
Location: High Street, Lewes, East Sussex / Picture taken on: 27/06/2009
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