Village Sign People
We are what we do repeatedly Excellence then is not an act but a habit
"The village sign is a traditional emblem with origins dating back to the medieval village cross, which served both as a landmark and a talisman to ward off evil. Each sign is an original work, which will enhance your village and become part of its history"
Hand Carved
This slide show includes some of our hand carved wooden village signs. Some are painted, others have a more natural finish. Just click the picture to see a larger view, or to pause the slide show.
This sign is in Kent and the symbols on it represent a bridge over the Chislet marshes with a rather elegant heron on the side and a swan on the marsh. It is an agricultural area represented by the ears of wheat and an apple tree. There is a local coat of arms in the top right hand corner. (Picture courtesy of C Duggan)
The hand carved village sign shows four kings, they are purported to be Malcolm, William, Harold and Macbeth. The village church which started its life in 1138, is dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch, and also has four kings on the corners of the parapet on the tower. Folklore has it that two of the king’s heads fell off and were put back onto the wrong bodies!!
The Babingley River flows through the village and it is said that this small stream is fed by waters that flow underground direct from glaciers in the Alps. St Felix, whom the village is held to be named after is said to have sailed up this river, hence the ship in full sail on the village sign.
This sign is in Kent and the symbols on it represent a bridge over the Chislet marshes with a rather elegant heron on the side and a swan on the marsh. It is an agricultural area represented by the ears of wheat and an apple tree. There is a local coat of arms in the top right hand corner. (Picture courtesy of C Duggan)
Our hand carved village signs are made from 2 1/2 inch thick English oak, with the addition of concealed internal stainless steel rods to provide extra strength and ensure durability.
The rear of the Chislet sign part way through being carved.
Any horizontal surfaces are protected from water penetration with an aluminium cover strip, which is not visible from the ground.
This detailed coloured hand drawing of the Chislet sign is typical of what you will get for your approval on the detail of your sign, allowing you to see exactly what your sign will look like, before we start production.
To paint the sign or not? An unpainted hand carved sign will gradually develop the beautiful silver patina that only old oak can and will last for many years, however a hand painted sign can also look very attractive. A painted sign should be regularly checked for any deterioration of the painted surface as any small cracks will attract moisture and the oak may then start to deteriorate unseen behind the paint.
The finished sign is generally mounted onto a single oak post, supplied together with a heavy duty stove enamelled steel base socket, which can be concreted into the ground, or incorporated into a plinth by your local builder. The sign can then be assembled and erected in a few minutes.