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Gerald Whittaker Signs

Hand Lettering topics: Sign Making, Design, Fabrication, Letterheads, Sign Books.

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

Sorry! another glass sign to show you..
I have just finished this piece of work. Gerald Whittaker is a signwriter from Hampshire here in England ,his wife Julia commisioned me to make this piece for him as a suprise birthday present for May 9th . I made up a design and liked the look of a Rawson and Evans panel that I had seen . I went about vectoring the panel and changing the design elements like adjusting it for brilliant cutting and acid etching and adding text and a pictorial steam engine which Gerald owns . It took a while to get all the vectors clean and sharp ready for cutting. Can you believe it! after doing all this work I found the same scroll panel that Gary Godby had sent me 3 years before, I could have saved so much time if I had just looked through my images first .Oh well! The Traction Engine belongs to Gerald and his wife Julia, she said he is so into fairground artwork and Engines that it would be nice to have his own engine on the panel along with the makers name and address. Wallis and Steevens Traction Engine manufacturers were a big supplier of these machines back 100 years ago. Take a look at the company and it's history http://www3.hants.gov.uk/museum/wallis-steevens.htm . Wikipedia also has alott of info about them . Anyway enough of me going on this is how it came out.
Thanks
Dave

p.s he actually got it this week as I was too busy to get it finished in time .
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The trees I made using another photo of a country scene and adding the same filter effect which I have mentioned on the next post
Last edited by DAVE SMITH on Sun Jun 28, 2009 2:42 pm, edited 2 times in total.
DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

The image was scanned from a photo. I tried a way of giving it an old print look, I never really liked the dotted half tone effect you get from like newspaper prints.
I ended up adding a scratched filter to the image once I had made it a grayscale file. Came out very detailed as you can see
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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

Acid and cut glass with chipped bacground.
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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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This bottom image is now printed with the traction engine, I only pulled the screen across once without flood pulling so that I was able to get maximum detail with a thick ink layer the next print I made filled the detail in, so for any projects that you have avoid flood pulling for pictorial work on fine details.
DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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Here you see I have painted on a translucent red enamel to avoid blacks and reds becoming brown once I started blending them together
DAVE SMITH
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Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

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DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

Sorry for all these phots but it is so hard just to show what the glass looks like from just a few images.
Hope you liked them! this last shot is of Gerald yesterday with the sign

See you
Dave
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Roderick Treece
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Roderick Treece »

Dave,
Totally amazing as always! I could only dream of people asking for something like that here in the US. Ifyou don't mind saying how much you got for it that would be interesting.

Thanks Dave

Roderick
Jerry Berg
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Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 3:17 pm
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Jerry Berg »

Yes, amazing as allways! I've been thinking the same as Roderick about people ordering something like this in the U.S.
I also would be interested as to how much you got for this. Very beautiful Dave. I love your color choices. Thanks very much for sharing. Ya think I'd be getting used to seeing this stuff from you, but I'm allways amazed!

Thanks,
Jerry
Patrick Mackle
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Patrick Mackle »

Magnificent work Dave,
That piece would put a box of Rolexs to shame.
I can only imagine the price tag, but when you get down to it and figure what you invested to
more than master a begone industry there must be a formula.
So I figure: beveled glass $180.00, gold leaf $45-$50.00, paints $4.00, mirror solution $6.00, animal glue $150.00,
being lucky enough to call upon you
to do a one off- priceless!!
Scarlett Rickard
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Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2007 3:10 pm
Location: Folkestone, UK

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Scarlett Rickard »

Dave, that's just beautiful, such amazing detail - it must have taken you ages to make the design alone! Gerald must be so chuffed with it!
Raymond Chapman
Posts: 345
Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:50 pm
Location: Temple. Texas

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Raymond Chapman »

Show off!
Tony Segale
Posts: 702
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:20 am

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Tony Segale »

you still doin' that?

and better than most, truth be told.

that your glass piece? nice glass piece.
and he took that golden hair and made a sweater for baby bear.
http://www.tonysegale.com
http://www.tonysegale.wordpress.com
Robare M. Novou
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Robare M. Novou »

If it wasn't for you Dave...I'd have no lofty goals to aspire to.

RMN
What's On Your Book Shelf ?

http://www.milwaukeesignworks.com
DAVE SMITH
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

I appreciate all your comments as always. I just like to share a small part of my work and I know this is a place that does appreciate art. I love to see what you are all creating also.
Rod and Jerry, I don't mind you asking how much it cost, but it would be unfair to disclose it here as it was a present for Gerald from his wife Julia. Gerald occasionally visits this forum and the price was a personal issue between me and his wife. Hope you don't mind lads. The frame I had made by a cabinet maker friend and then I French polished it. These type of customers are not around all the time but once Gerald had visited my shop in 2008 for some work he commisioned me to restore and some brilliant cutting to replace for some gypsy windows he had become interested in what I did with glass work. His wife told me that he had enjoyed his visit to my town so she went about planning this glass suprise for him.
Thanks again, glad you liked it.
Dave
Dan Beach
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2009 1:35 pm
Location: South Jersey

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Dan Beach »

:shock: :shock: :shock:

That is totally freakin' ridiculous!!! I'm not even sure how I can be this amazed at your work after seeing your previous work. You truly are a master . . .
Dan Beach
Cylinder 9 Designs
South Jersey
Larry White
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Larry White »

What are we gonna do with this one, Dave?

... Looks like Gerald is a bit dumbfounded...I think you scared him a little.

It just might make some sense to start over...

Lucky skunk! ...both you and Gerald!

I'm still contemplating pitchin' a tent in your backyard....

PERMENANTLY!!

...CRIKEY! and BLIMEY! ...and all those other weird English words you use!

-Aho, matey!
Roderick Treece
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Roderick Treece »

I'm in on the tent deal ! I'll work cheap , just beer and chips.
Danny Baronian
Site Admin
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Danny Baronian »

Gerald's not dumbfounded. He's wondering how he's going to pay for the glass he didn't order.

and why does everyone get excited over Dave's work?

You should know by now, this work is 'normal' for the English Gold Man.

Danny

......... but it sure is nice work
Danny Baronian
Baronian Mfg.
CNC Routing & Fabrication
http://www.baronian.com
Larry White
Posts: 1213
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:18 am

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Larry White »

I'll work for bangers and mash!

.....whatever the heck that is?


Blake's the name my friend...and I'd be tickled to join your little establishment.....
Roderick Treece
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Roderick Treece »

I'm not so sure he's gonna let us camp out in his front yard. Here's a picture of the last sign painter and family to stay over for awhile.
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Pierre Tardif
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Pierre Tardif »

Totally amazing! Dave you're a true keeper of the craft.
vance galliher
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by vance galliher »

never worry about posting too many photos here Dave.......a truly magnificent piece.....and again thanks for making the effort so we can see your work.
hahahaaaa, that's funny Danny. Dave, I’m glad Roderick ask you about pricing, and I totally understand your situation and respect that, and maybe I should start another post about this topic so your friend might not see. But I’ll just start this thread that will either be picked up on or not.
All of my sigmaking artist friends and I talk a lot about pricing………not only is learning and experimenting how to create in this wonderful world of glass the real joy, but being compensated well for it puts a nice candle on the cake. Pricing is a large part of what we do ! And it’s really interesting that we, unlike other trades, set our own value. I personally decline all bid work, I’m just not interested in doing it. …..nor am I interested in doing what someone else would do for $50 less. I don’t do a lot of work, but when I do, I want to be paid well for it I would only hope to attempt to do your quality of work, but if I did , my charge for that piece would be……...
vance
dimensional and glass art signs
http://www.vancegallihersigns.com
Patrick Mackle
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Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by Patrick Mackle »

Ye padfoots ot' be ashamed imposing so much of English Dave, what with stealin away and poundin' down tents on his fine turfed estate.
Aye! and with lofty thoughts o' toppin' yur festerin' gobs up on bangers & mash and beer & chips an' such.
I'd be grateful just to curl up in his toss pot with a paint skin and eat the cow glue off the glass chips in the dust bin.
You guys know Nothin', NOTHIN"!! Oh shut up!!
But if you do go.... wear the FOX HAT!
Pat
DAVE SMITH
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Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:12 am
Location: ENGLAND

Re: Gerald Whittaker Signs

Post by DAVE SMITH »

Your guy's make me laugh! I'm convinced your a bunch of nutty signmakers.! you want to tent in my garden? I have no grass left due to puppy p___s .
If you come here you need to bring that Sally guy you know the one.... the steak cook. He can sleep with me. Not sure about those bloke's Mackle and Treece though..... strange two them be... This is Milo, he helps me make these glass signs. he also speaks Italian..
Thanks for the comments lads..
Dave
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