Carters Steam Fair owner returns with second signwriting workshop

The owner of Carters Steam Fair returned with his popular signwriting workshop in White Waltham.
Joby Carter’s first Signwriting Sunday was in December in December 2023 which saw hundreds of people in attendance. In March 2024 he opened his White Waltham workshop for a second time, showcasing traditional skills to anyone interested in letterforms and typography and anyone who appreciates old-fashioned skills and heritage crafts.

Joby said: “The first Signwriting Sunday event was a huge success, and it was a great way to celebrate the craft. I’ve always been very open to encouraging more people to learn about signwriting.

“Upskilling others adds to the whole signwriting community. If you show people how traditional signwriting is created, it makes them appreciate it and value it even more, which encourages the craft even more.

“I learned in the early 1990s when it was going out of fashion and not many were learning the skills, but now it’s back in vogue, people love it.

Joby was joined by Maidenhead-based signwriter Michell da Silva from @dasilva.signs who previously completed Joby’s traditional signwriting course, and has work displayed in Maidenhead Library, outside Grilled Grub in Maidenhead High Street and in the Windsor Guildhall.

With more than 30 years of experience, Joby has become a spokesperson for the craft and has given talks on signwriting and its place in folk art at universities and art schools.

“I feel quite duty-bound to share these skills. I was very lucky that I was shown how to signwrite so now I’m more than happy to encourage new people to signwrite and keep the traditional skills alive,” he added.

“I know that people are sad that the fair is no longer touring, but I now have more time to dedicate to championing these traditional skills to a global audience. I’ve had people fly in from Hong Kong, Canada, the Netherlands and other countries to complete my traditional signwriting courses.

“I see it as my job to do whatever I can do to help keep signwriting skills alive. Some people may do it as a profession, some do it as a hobby, but long may it continue and carry on. If I can be just a little part of that then I’m very happy to encourage it.”

Joby’s two popular signwriting books, fine art prints and hand-painted letters are available for sale, as well as signwriting supplies and Carters Steam Fair memorabilia including publicity posters and original drawings used to create artwork at the fair.

Following on Instagram @joby.carter
Visit: www.jobycarter.com