241. How to sign write a Narrowboat

Here is a video on how to sign write a Narrowboat. It’s got nearly nothing to do with me you’ll be relieved to know but I do try to describe and explain the process.
The design of the name is crucial to the overall look of the boat. The typeface Ive chosen is Johnston 100 used by London Underground Ltd in 1971 the year the boat was built here in Market Harborough.
First commissioned in 1913, British artist and calligrapher Edward Johnston was tasked with creating lettering with “bold simplicity” that would have clear roots in tradition.
Darren is the Signwriter in charge of bringing my vision to life. You can contact Darren here:
DW Canal Boat Signwriting
Tel: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.dwcanalboatsignwriter.co.uk
Paints used: 1shot Lettering Enamel
www.1shot.com
#1shot #signwriting #Narrowboat

[@greggtilghman6349]

Darren is a true professional! You picked well when you picked him. Classy design, manly yet whimsical. That statement you made about "being the best thing about the boat, that says alot", I don't think you fully understand what you've accomplished. You have taken something bare bones and stripped out and turned it into a good looking and comfortable, safe place to live and you're not done. What you've done is increase the value of that vessel several times over. Darren is good, but all he's done is "the cherry on top", the finishing touches. The name, the registration number and the swan detail, all lovely done.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Gregg, what a lovely comment to read. Thanks mate. Sincerely

[@mungmungie]

My 2nd great grandfather was a sign writer, among other things.Robert James Finch (1831-1889) also did japanning and was one of the gold smiths who did the gilding on the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben. I carry on a wee bit of the tradition in painting street signs and other caligraphy. Nice to watch a master at work.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Wow great story - he must have been ok working at heights then !! Thanks

[@petebest3729]

Morning James, what Darren has done with the sign writing of Sloe Patrol is absolute PERFECTION. Stay safe.

[@andrewcopley9894]

Very skilled & talented, A dying art that is slowly being replaced with printed vinyl . trains ,buses waggons were painted this way . A real skill & work of art !!

[@mwolfer1]

7:04 Johnston 100: So comforting to see that there is at least one other person in this superficial world, who can get excited about a typeface! ;-) Congratulations, good luck with the sea trial.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

You can’t beat a good typeface

[@foghornleghornish]

More of a Perpetua man myself Used it when our school was visited by the Queen Mother to open our new dining halls. After school clubs aren't what they used to be!

[@SeanMacLennan]

Simple, clean, and the berries as eighth notes *and* quotes is brilliant. The way Darren free handed the circles was very impressive. Definitely a master.

[@MrOVERANOUT]

Excellent result. It sets the boat off perfectly. What a craftsman he is.

[@penneynoss9552]

Great video James, he did a great job. She's looking dressed up now 😃. I'm thinking as much as you will miss your friends, you won't miss those dog's.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I can’t wait not to hear those dogs

[@knutarneaakra6013]

Old english chraftmanship cant beat that. Just great

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks - agreed

[@stevemumbling7720]

I don't think Darren has much to worry about, those sort of skills won't be common. Outstanding craftmanship.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yeah he’ll be fine !!

[@jayb3931]

Love the connection with the name of the paint and the font :)

[@mranthonye]

Wow. To watch a master at his work is mesmerising. Rock on Sloe Patrol

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Couldn’t agree more. Mesmerising.

[@marinussnijder7941]

The font, the collor, spacing, and placing, and the name ofcourse, it gives the boot its "can do, but we do it with some nice easy tunes" kind of character, I like it🤘

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks so much

[@Eddiefooty06]

What the sign does is ties in the colour of the windows as well which is a bonus fella.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I totally agree - absolute bonus

[@christinegibbins6105]

Gosh James, what a wonderful craft's man, a joy to watch him at work. As you say it is really making the boat come to it's own. Take care and thank you

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thanks as always ! Have a great weekend

[@smilerthecheshirecat]

Master craftsmanship…. Truly a piece of art 😊

[@glennpeters7384]

Wow a master class in sign writing. Liking the colours it brings it together nicely. Finishes it off a treat. Darren's the man.

[@thedecliningcyclist3321]

Looks great that. Really sets off the boat 👍🏻. It’s been a long haul but you’ve taken a boat that need a hell of a lot of love and it’s now something to be really proud of ✅

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Thank you - I feel quite proud to be honest seeing her now

[@sa9861]

So pleasing you did this special video James - it’s a pleasure to watch a master-craftsman at work.

[@dicantria]

Amazing craftsman. It's been great to watch the theme of the boat develop. I think the signage and the Manchester red really set the boat off. Really liking what you've done. Looking forward to seeing plenty of shots of it when it's back in the water. 👍

[@sueclivenarrowboatneonmoon9902]

Love it James brilliant work looks outstanding

[@dotmenziesholden1251]

Amazing attention to detail, looks fantastic!

[@andrewbounds8672]

That is one steady hand and it look out standing

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

He knew his way round a paint brush that’s for sure !!

[@andrewbounds8672]

Yes he does

[@simondalton1298]

James. Thanks so much for the insight into the craftsmanship that goes into getting your boat named.

[@lilesosannaflower9956]

Darren's work is not only a beautiful work of art in its own right, it adds to the whole look of the boat, you now have a real Narrow Boat. The sign writing has brought the livery of the boat to a new level; linked the boats history to your future together on the canals and of course the pleasure of foraging for sloes and the making of the gin. Fantastic name and Darren was worth every penny.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Couldn’t agree more Thanks

[@waynegoode1]

Great job, Great font and colour choice, love the little swan also. Well done!

[@bivers4399]

First thing I thought when I saw the writing was Public Transport, Such a cool look, can’t wait to see you back on the water. Couldn’t fault Darrens work when he did mine either👍👍

[@carolinebutcher8160]

Wonderful to see Darren at work....he's a master of sign writing. Brilliant to see how it's all done and how the letters come together in highlighted form. The colours are perfect and emphasise the main colours of the boat. It all looks lovely. Clever use of the sloes! Really enjoyed watching him work.

[@PinkLittleElephant]

All the more impressive because high up on a wobbly step ladder. Wonderful result!

[@trevormegson7583]

A stunning job, such calm skill.

[@susancarriker6645]

There goes the dogs again upsetting my dog across the pond! Can’t wait til you move to your new spot!

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

You and I both. Tell them I’m sorry

[@J1mbo888]

Top Font. Top Painting. Top Job Young James :-)

[@chazzyb8660]

He made your boat sing. Wonderful work. As someone else below said, the cherry on an already very excellent cake. But, yes, those dogs!!!!!! Not sure why anyone would leave a dog there? Cheap I guess.

[@missinglink7709]

brilliant

[@northernnarrowboater8423]

I've always said Heinz are excellent when it comes to paint, especially the 57th variety !

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

🤣

[@dozergyp]

Great job 👍

[@MrJaseful]

Wow, that sign writing really pops, ties the paint job in perfectly. Top drawer.

[@dougiepaine449]

brilliant such a talent and skill

[@TheDaf95xf]

Morning James. Darren has transformed your Narrowboat by giving it an identity 😀 Your choice of colours and font is just perfect 👍🏻 What a skill Darren has and I really appreciate you showing his work 🤩 Love the old bean cans as paint tins as I do the same lol 😂

[@suecox2308]

It's always a pleasure to watch someone doing a job well--and the name looks wonderful. (I was thinking, for a very reasonable few quid you could get a brass plaque with her previous name on to put inside the boat somewhere. A fun homage to the boat's history.)

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Well after 240 vids, it was only a matter of time before you saw a job being done well 🤣

[@suecox2308]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt

[@delukxy]

That has a very "Railway" look to it. Impressive workmanship.

[@sarkybugger5009]

An artist at work, literally. It sets her off a treat, James. Does he do resprays? All the best, mate.

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Agreed mate - just lovely to watch - dunno ask him. See you Tuesday

[@sharonprinz5745]

lovely

[@keithweybury5212]

Hi James a great vlog. A fantasdic process to watch an artist at work. The end result is perfection with the care Darren utilises for his work.

[@paulhumberstone4843]

nice job lad

[@AndyJenkins999]

It’s great to see the old ways of London being brought onto the boat like this in the colours and fonts, totally unique mate.

[@gareysherrod3886]

Greetings , Love the sign writing video the Johnson 100 font. Fresh food is over-rated...Haha The "Sloe's" as musical notes was a fitting touch to the guitar interest. Cheers

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌🇨🇦❤

[@edwardianedward548]

ohh am I first lol :)

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Yes you are mate !

[@edwardianedward548]

@@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt She's looking great :)

[@Bigsbeee]

One shot is horrible stuff compared to Keeps that we used to use. I always shade to the left .. Manchester v London shade .. No tape when I started. either.and no pounce , we just tick it off and letter. Still a great trade .. it's horrible to see vinyl on a narrow boat . - PDS SIGNS - Warrington

[@mariahopwood9335]

Mastercraftsman - a dying art.

[@danielfasey7648]

James you should buy some spray paint and paint your window frames now maybe cream too perhaps?

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

Actually now I reckon the frames look ok now the sign writings been done

[@williamavery9185]

As a retired writer i would not have needed a template for such basic work. My master would piss himself at such a awfull competance, he has very little skill.

[@ellieshields1798]

His work is amazing I've looked at his website ,Quality craftsmanship unlike your poor use of English grammar .

[@anitawade1790]

What a fabulous job. Such skill and attention to detail. Really sets the boat off

[@TheNarrowboatThatJamesBuilt]

I know - I love it - thanks