Sign & Digital UK 2026 Bringing a touch of the traditional


This industry isn’t all about the latest technology or finding the newest craze. In fact, there are still a handful of traditional sign writers still marking their trade with a paintbrush rather than a printer. At this year’s SDUK, you will get the chance to speak to one of these artists and even give it a go yourself.


F


or decades, sign makers have entrusted their craft to machines, pumping out rolls


and rolls of substrates and vinyl. These, of course, have their benefits,


but it takes away the essence of what sign making used to be. Well, Sign & Digital UK has decided


to bring back the traditional techniques, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship that goes into sign writing. You may have read in our previous


issue about Perry Eales, but now the owner of Perry Signs and expert sign writer is bringing his talents to the exhibition. His expertise in the field is


unquestionable, having been part of the industry for four decades. In that time, he has been contracted by the Crown, the Rothschilds, and the BBC to decorate Elton John’s piano. So if you wish to find out about sign writing his career or try and have a go yourself, head to SDUK to see more.


Learn about sign writing As part of the Sign Makers’ Village, Perry will be hosting an informal and interactive corner of the area. He, along with a few of his colleagues,


will set up easels holding boards and glass panels for visitors to come along and paint on using a selection of traditional sign writing tools. Perry will be on hand to give his


advice, teach people about the craft and what it takes to be a sign writer. Examples of his previous work will


also be on hand to examine and ask questions about. Perry will be doing informal


demonstrations throughout the day that visitors can dip in and out of as they please, with a scheduled sit-down seminar where he will discuss the history of the craft and relay his experience working in the industry. As well as live demos and seated


seminars, a TV will also be on stand broadcasting a slideshow of some of Perry’s latest and greatest works. From


| 38 | January/February 2026 Perry’s workshop


glasswork to traditional pub signage, watching just five minutes of the slideshow, there will be an array of skills on display. As well as paints, Perry will be


demonstrating the potential of gold leaf gilding and how it can be used to decorate glass panels and windows for signage. In the area will be a number of panels


and a frame to lay gold leaf onto and show how it works. Perry also suggested he will bring a


2ft-tall golden statue, which shows some of the capabilities of the technique.


Bringing it back to tradition With so much kit on display, Perry will make a refreshing change for visitors to spectate. The sign and visual communications industry is a very visual one. It’s not a job to sit and watch, but rather get up and get involved. That is the essence Perry is hoping to


bring, to get passers-by interacting with the artform and engaging attendees with what it means to be a sign writer. But if you would rather take a back


seat, that’s ok too, as sign writing is a mesmerising action, so at the very least you will have a spectacle when passing by. But Perry is just one of the many


things at the Sign Makers’ Village. Between him, Chris Edwards, Paul Hughes and all the representatives of the BSGA, there will be so much to sink your teeth into. From seminars and discussions to


workshops and interactive sessions, the Sign Makers’ Village has really geared up to be the fountain of all knowledge in the visual communications industry.


www.signupdate.co.uk Perry Eales


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