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Friday, 22 September 2023

Village Identity

Earlier this month I showed you the village of Mistley and one or two of you commented on its superb sign. Many villages have such signs, usually somewhere near the centre of the settlement. It is however quite a new tradition and I remember seeing some of the first examples. Now they are everywhere. Some are carved and painted wood and others are metal silhouettes. Some show similarities that make me think they are the work of the same person, others are so individual that they must be the work of someone in the village.


Did you spot the other side of the Mistley sign? Now I shall have to begin on the next collection!


Take care.


27 comments:

  1. Wow these signs are fabulous! So unique and well designed. Such a good thing to see photography blogs doing this.

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  2. What a wonderful selection. I remember seeing similar signs on our trips to Norfolk. I have seen them in other villages and towns elsewhere but nowhere near as many as in the south east. Its interesting that it seems to be quite a new idea.

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  3. They certainly play a part in beautifying the village. All to the good!

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  4. Hi John - I didn't work the other side of Mistley out - will look anon! But our village signs can be so true to life, and where the area came from ... I love them - like pub signs or ghost wall signs ... lovely photos thank you - cheers Hilary

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  5. Can't choose a favourite - love them all. And yes did spot the reverse side.

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  6. I saw many similar village signs in Essex as well. They are almost like 'Family Shields' a pictorial demonstration of the village.

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  7. Those are very dramatic. Haven't seen anything around here as good.

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  8. I wonder if the townspeople have a local contest to decide what goes on their sign.

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    1. I'm sure there'd be a lot of consultation locally. Almost all villages have their own magazine, often distributed free-of-charge to all households (paid for by advertising) and they would probably ask for ideas.

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  9. A friend is a sign maker, and she has designed several signs for the three main routes into Black Mountain...as well as one for the welcoming center! Very original with scenery and words, all done in a wood type material.

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  10. Beautiful signs and very impressive.

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  11. Just so interesting! I love it that people take the time and caring to do such good work.

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  12. Some beautiful village signs, There is a Sreatley a few moles away from where I live in Oxfordshire

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  13. Those are very welcoming and lovely village signs.

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  14. These are wonderful. And it looks as if no one vandalizes them.

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  15. Me encanta los diseños de esos carteles, todos ellos están realizados con un excelente gusto.
    Que tengas un buen fin de semana.

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  16. Great Ashfield in Suffolk has a wonderful sign. Like the Bassingbourn sign, it contains a similar aircraft tribute--to the B-17s that flew from the US base there in WWII.

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  17. Those signs are quite beautiful, each in their own way. Such craftsmanship!

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  18. We are just back from your side of the country and saw a few of these on our travels. I like the Hartest one:)

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  19. Delightful! They all have a historical feel to them, although recent.

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  20. Nice and interesting collection of village signs. I scrolled down to find an answer to your question and was envious that you could go out so actively in September. I enjoyed each and every photo. I had been inactive due to the oppressive humidity until the last weekend.

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  21. Thank you, John. I have just enjoyed catching up with nearly 2 months of your wonderful blog posts.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'll try to answer any questions via a comment or e-mail within the next day or two (no hard questions, please!).