Enamel Signs | A Small History
April 12th 2022
Enamel Signs (street jewellery) were originally crafted in the mid-1800s and were a means of advertising services, food, petrol, and other goods. They could be seen in many different applications, such as on buildings, trams, and railway stations. Often, streets were lined with each individual building having its own advertising sign.
The first commercial production of enamel signs began in Birmingham when Benjamin Baugh patented the process for producing signage named vitreous enamelling in 1859 at his Salt’s Patent Enamel Works in Bradford Street. The process is a method of fusing porcelain as powdered glass poured onto rolled iron plates (or later steel plates) whereby different layers of colours were added to the initial base coat colour, the lettering intricately hand stencilled. The signs were then heated to an extremely high temperature, and as the metal became porous, it allowed the liquid glass to seep into the openings, fusing the structure together. This process makes the finished product weatherproof, durable, vibrant, and attractive. For that little extra durability, occasionally, the signs were enamelled on the rear also.
Into the late 19th century, the industrial heartlands of the midlands became a hub of enterprising producers who were manufacturing signs in their thousands. With approximately 15 manufacturers, including Imperial Enamel, Stocal Enamels Ltd of Burton, JA Jordan & Sons Ltd and the Falkirk Iron Company, many faded away as quickly as they appeared, making some signs significantly more collectable than others. Moving through to the early 20th century and a mass influx of transportation and the growing presence of motor cars meant that businesses and retailers required better branding and better advertising. Competition meant that one sign always had to be better than the next with eye-catching visuals and simplistic designs. Today there is a huge collector’s market for signs as well as market for interior decorators as popping wall décor, people from all ages can enjoy the pieces whether it be for sentimental values, that trip down memory lane or for a new modern house to give it some colour and a focal point. A truly future-proof piece of advertising.
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am a purveyor of beautiful objects for the luxury market through my bespoke internet platform and business, Jacksons Antique, with a focus on Japanese and European antiques. I am a new-generation online antique dealer with 10+ years of experience within the industry, working exclusively online and through select exhibitions. The core of the business consists of trust with all clients, giving you the utmost confidence in every piece you purchase. I am extremely lucky to be able to handle some of the most beautiful objects ever made and offer them to a worldwide audience whilst bringing down the average dealer age considerably!
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