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Pub Art The art of the pub sign has been under threat for decades, a particular villain being the faceless chains determined to shove their glossy brands into our faces at every turn. Thankfully there are still a good few breweries and free houses out there who enjoy promoting the old traditions that have been with us for over 600 years. So here we celebrate the art of the sign artists from inns all across the Wey Valley. If there's a particularly good sign we've missed be sure to let us know. Navigate through the gallery using the links here, and check out our potted history below. |
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A Potted History The history of painted pub signs has been traced back to 1393 when Richard II introduced a law making it compulsory for alehouses to exhibit a painted sign outside their premises. The reason was in reality linked to making sure officials of the crown could easily identify premises for taxation and trade control, but of course also greatly benefited the largely illiterate clientele of the age. Before the Reformation under Henry VIII most of the themes were religious, but in the disquieting climate that followed many innkeepers turned to flattering the royalty and nobility by naming their inns after them. In the Wey Valley settlements that straddled the main thoroughfares between London and the naval ports on the south coast, evidence remains today of naming used to attract the seafarers passing through. Some more modern themes are evident along the valley, and at least those licensees continue to support the art of the traditional pub signer painters. |
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Suggest a Wey Valley pub sign - click here & email us today © Wey River 2005 / 2006 |
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