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We really do have it easy compared to signmakers back in the day
I came across this old photograph while browsing the internet. This really does make you think how lucky we are today having the likes of proper scaffold and various types of fancy cherrypickers that we can hire out at any time.
(Not that I know them but)
The signwriter on this plank is Peter Millman and the photographer is Barry Mossop, who was the second signwriter on the site, using the same ladders and baton platform.
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12 Replies
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Brilliant photograph, Peter. Looking at the time, I wonder if they managed to paint that last letter before 5pm ? 🤔
Over the years, I have employed people that would be packing up the ladders at this time, so they are walking off-site at 5 pm, even with one letter to go! 😏😂-
“Over the years, I have employed people that would be packing up the ladders at this time, so they are walking off-site at 5 pm, even with one letter to go!”
Yup, had 3 guys – one as ‘lead’ out on a job many years ago. Dropped the scaffolding tower and headed back for 5pm instead of staying 15 minutes to kill off the job…last day he ever worked for me.
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You are correct, we do have it so much easier these days. Not only with our fancy forms of access but literally making the signs too. sign written with traditional paint brushes, gold leaf methods or today, type a word, pick a font and hit cut! 🤓
These photos are of Butterfield Signs based in Bradford.
I have worked at on many high-up signs from scaffold and cherrypickers, I have just spent Friday there, on a cherrypicker installing two, 25ft x 5ft illuminated pan signs about 30ft up. And I still would refuse to point blank to go up those ladders and walk that plank of wood. 🤣
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Looking at the first photo makes me feel sick…..
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I’m sure there’s still people out there who’ll think it’s acceptable these days 😂
I hate ladders to start with so don’t need much of a reason not to use them where ever possible.
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Wooden ladders and a wooden baton. No thank you!
That first picture in colour is bad enough, but “three” guys walking a plank back and forth. As it bounces the others are trying to concentrate, paint and balance without putting a foot wrong. You have to be desperate or stupid. 😧🙄
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no no no!
what is to stop those ladders from slipping or separating? 😳
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My first day out as a sign fitter (not that long ago in my memory) was working up on 60′ ladders hauling up all the drills and tools tie everything to the ladder and up and down all day till the job was done. I never told a lie in a job interview again (when asked had I a fear of heights, stupidly I said no) thank god things have changed in the last 35 years 😂
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i do not mean this in a nasty way. but i find those pictures so sad to look at.
the photographs are amazing and very interesting. but i also find it sad to see people willing to risk their lives to be able to earn a living. 😧 -
Just shown staff and told them we will be using this technique instead of hiring a cherry picker next time 🤣
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There is sign fitting crazy or stupid and then there is crazy or stupid. 🤨
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From one extreme to another…
A very cool installation to see, but this was at the top of a skyscraper-type building.
I think I would leave this to the abseiling experts.
https://youtube.com/shorts/nyyZqB_htMU?feature=share
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