Andrew Grudon 2023

Andrew is a specialist in the rare craft of hand painting, lettering and carving of pictorial signs. He has established an international reputation at the forefront of the revival of this work, particularly in his painting of pub signs. In 1998 he was awarded the sign-making contract for St Austell Brewery and still produces all of their pictorials to this day. Each sign is bespoke and helps to promote the continuation of the iconic swinging sign outside British pubs. Andrew is a member of The Letterheads, an international group of professional signwriters whose mission is to pass on trade ‘secrets’ and skills through the ages, keeping their craft alive for future generations. Andrew’s clients speak to the excellence of his craft and he has created signs for customers all over the world including the Tower of London and television companies. He has taken people on in his workshop as apprentices, including a young person who had been in difficult times but earned a National Vocational Qualification under Andrew’s tutelage and now runs his own business in signwriting. Andrew’s skills have become renowned internationally and have resulted in him sharing his knowledge with practitioners through direct enquiries and on social media. He is passionate about the traditional methods that he uses in his work and has dedicated his life to the pursuit of his craft. 

Photograph credits to Stefen Jakubowski and Heritage Crafts.