Signs of the times

When the new signs went up on The Hideout recently, they were more than lifting the look of a famous corner. The ‘Boyce Bros’ name officially marks the latest chapter in the pub’s story which began in 1855.



But maybe even more interesting, the signs themselves represent the expertise and experience built up by three generations of one family. Brian Hopkins of Rathangan has revived a century old method of making high quality signs.

The method is a delicate combination of wood carving, water gilding, and ‘glue-chipping’ glass. The skill died out after WW2 when the ubiquitous plastics and neons began to appear and appeal to the then ‘modernist’ tastes.



The Hideout work includes a new hanging sign, and a food sign, as well as bespoke interior items. The method, using various kinds of rich metal leaf depending on the style, is expensive. But it is inimitable by any mass production method.

“It’s the kind of work that somebody needs to know about, someone who can appreciate really classy work,” says Brian, who began work with his father Aidan when he was 13. Aidan had worked from an early age in signage and headstone carving with his own father Sydney. It was Brian’s dad who started experimenting with the old gilded signs, encouraging the younger man to learn more.

“I did a lot of research on the methods, and I also went to Birmingham to do a course on aspects of it,” Brian says. “The system was also used in making old pub mirrors, and we have done quite a few of those to specially-commisioned designs.”

Although the new signage at The Hideout is in an old style, as operator Eamonn Boyce wanted in keeping with the age and style of the building, Brian can use the method to make contemporary-looking signs as well.