From Buckingham Palace to steam engines: BNU graduate revives Britain’s vanishing signwriting trade
A Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) graduate is helping to keep a centuries-old craft alive – swapping museum metalwork for a world of gold leaf and vintage steel.
At just 31, Stuart Duncumb is part of a “new guard” helping to revive the traditional art of signwriting.
Before launching his business, he worked as a Trainee Locksmith at Buckingham Palace and later as a mount maker at the Science Museum. Today, he uses those same high-stakes hand skills to decorate vintage vehicles and heritage steam engines.
For decades, mass-produced vinyl signage threated to sideline traditional signwriting. At one point, the number of practising signwriters fell dramatically – almost to the point of extinction. But the craft is now seeing a renewed interest.
Stuart said: “Vinyl signs from the 1990s are now 20-30 years old – they fade and peel. People are realising traditional trades are worth the investment. Painted work can last four times longer than a sticker.”
While there are only around 50 professional signwriters currently operating across the UK, the industry is seeing a rare second wind.
In recent years, the "old guard", who once kept their "tricks of the trade" as closely guarded secrets, began offering courses to help pass the craft on. Stuart is part of a core group of younger painters coming into this trade through this less traditional avenue.
Stuart has been able to combine his professional craft skill with his passion for heritage vehicles by focusing heavily on this small and highly specialist element of the wider signwriting trade.
He focuses on working entirely by hand, both designing and painting his work without digital tools.
He said: "A computer won't tell you when something looks wrong. Coach lining makes up 70% of my work. It’s about training your hand to be perfectly steady without tape or guides. It takes time to get that right.”
His flagship projects include recreation fairground showman engines. These third-scale masterpieces are finished in elaborate lining and genuine gold leaf - all designed to fit inside a standard garage.
Graduating in 2016 with a degree in Furniture and Fine Arts Conservation, Stuart credits the workshop-based course with developing his practical skills.
"BNU gave me the principles of respect for historical objects," he added. "Whether it’s a 1930s vintage van or a canal boat, you have to make the work in keeping with the object."
Alongside signwriting, Stuart is passionate about living history, creating historically accurate furniture and objects for displays.
Reflecting on his journey from Buckingham Palace to his workshop, Stuart’s message to students is simple: stay curious and keep exploring.
“I didn’t leave university thinking I’d become a signwriter,” he said. “Find something that challenges you, keep learning, and don’t let go of your interests - even if the path isn’t obvious straight away.”
Inspired by Stuart’s story? Discover hands-on creative and conservation courses at Buckinghamshire New University.