Signwriting a Canal Narrowboat with Rob Wagg - Ep. 44

In this episode, find out how to do signwriting on our new canal narrowboat with Rob Wagg.
The toughest decision of the whole boat building process was choosing the style of signwriting for narrowboat Silver Fox.
After weeks of thinking, we decided on a design that established sign writer, Rob Wagg, will paint onto our new boat.
Get in touch with Rob Wagg here: www.realsignwriting.co.uk/
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#signwriting #narrowboat #britainbynarrowboat

[@jeremymitchell995]

I know this is history now but I'm finding this vlog intensely emotional....the talent, the music, the realisation of a dream....just wow lads.

[@FoxesAfloat]

WOW! Thank you, Jeremy x

[@cjrobb-bk6rm]

The sign writer is AMAZING! Thank you for letting Foxes Afloat record your artistic process. Loved this video!!

[@urbanrider7981]

Why would anyone not like this video ? A pure artist at work,Chris

[@FoxesAfloat]

We don’t really take much notice of the dislikes, but maybe a jealous signwriter 😂

[@deanmills5106]

It'a not so much a signature as it is a statement of elegance. I think you hit it right on the mark, I can't think of anything that would better describe the elegance of the entire project.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Exactly! Thanks, Dean. xx

[@bgrigg07]

I spent 30 years in the print and sign making business and Rob Wagg is brilliant. Your decision to use a simple script is equally brilliant. Allowing enough negative space to highlight the name is just good design.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Bill!

[@jontisdall6248]

Good afternoon Foxes. What a stunningly handsome boat, your choice of font and the execution is absolutely perfect, as is the overall colour scheme. Simply put, the whole build is an example of impeccable taste. Congratulations once again.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Jon. That means so much :) xx

[@patriciap5840]

I was holding my breath the whole time he was painting...in awe of his talent. You two should be so incredibly proud of yourselves, you've made the perfect choices all along and so much love has gone into this exquisite narrowboat...much love!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Wow, Patricia, thank you! We do love her. Just counting down the last few days before launch now :) x

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Typographical perfection executed by a true craftsman. Silver Fox has indeed been signed off. 👌

[@pamjamas]

I’m amazed by all the talented artisans whose work has created your narrow boat Silver Fox. I am impressed by the level of commitment and craftsmanship thru your whole build.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Yeah, some amazing talent out there 👍🏻

[@richardbergmark6722]

This whole project is amazing. A joy and honor you two have opened your family and hearts to this incredible journey.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Hi Richard. Thank you so much! I hope you stay with us for the launch :) xx

[@kjrc1999]

It's a lot of fun just to see how much fun you guys are having! Elegance personified!!

[@FoxesAfloat]

He he... it’s so much fun! Thanks, Kelly 👍🏻 x

[@Tricia-xf3vd]

Wow! I'm very impressed with Rob's steady hand. You chose such a classy script that is perfect and really compliments your color scheme.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Yeah, we're really pleased with the result. x

[@forestntt72]

Perfect font for the boat. I love the fact that it is done by good old fashioned methods using years of practice and skill. Sums up the workmanship throughout the boat.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Yeah, true master at his art 👍🏻

[@UrbanHomesteadMomma]

Absolutely beautiful work! She’s such a classy looking boat... and your artist Rob did a great job... the script font is like the rest of the boat, classy and simple... a great compliment to the rest of your design

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Marie. We totally love it :) x

[@MrJasperooney]

We just re-watched this episode as we’ve just contacted Rob to paint our name, now we just have to be patient to wait for the boat to be finished and keep the name secret until then!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Ah, good choice 👍🏻

[@theajane6444]

Thank you for the shot of Rob's artist's "tackle" box. It is the container for both the artist's tools of his trade and the artist's heart. Like Felix the Cat's bag of tricks--they help to make the magic happen.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Rob is a true artist xx

[@leprechaunshelper]

I personally like the clean cut simple uncluttered modernist style a very personal choice you have chosen to create this beautiful boat may you both have the happiest of times onboard silver fox 🦊 🌈 🤍

[@FoxesAfloat]

Wow, thank you!

[@lindawhiteside806]

Two years of art school and I can't fit Happy Birthday on a cake. This is beautiful! I just started to watch, but I'm fascinated and can't wait to see where you are in 2022!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Much adventure to come xxxx

[@gordonchapman222]

It looks like some ancient Roman God signed it with a quil and ink. It's a lovely example of calligraphy. Gorgeous.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Isn't it! Thanks, Gordon! x

[@Femmpaws]

Using a signature for her name is very elegant. It fits the craft so well, because it breaths life into her... Oh look she had signed her name... In my teens I use to help out at a sign shop, so I got to watch Dennis bring artwork to life and he was good at it too. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Kriss. That's exactly what we aimed to achieve so it's great that you get it :) xx

[@jeremy5363]

Amazing how often there’s beauty in simplicity! Rob’s Artistry still shows and the boat is better for it. Great choice!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks. We knew we wanted Rob to do the job but we just took forever choosing the design 😂

[@MrLecar1]

Australia Calling: watching Rob work was great

[@FoxesAfloat]

He's an amazing artist!

[@TazTaurus]

Excellent paint signature from Rob. Simple but stylish font. I love it. 😊

[@FoxesAfloat]

Yeah, took ages to choose that!

[@loopylou]

Bloody heck and he's doing it on a stool aswell!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Haha! Steady hand

[@wills4141]

Wow, with the colour scheme and name I don't think I could have resisted using the LNER locomotives font but that script is very elegant.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks. We love it too 👍🏻

[@terrystephens1102]

Beautiful, clean, crisp, classy 👍👏👏👏👏❤️

[@FoxesAfloat]

...and the boat? 😉 xx

[@janoswimmer1042]

He truly did a perfect job. Breathtaking it was to watch him, I was worried he will make a mistake or slip, 😅😅 One of your best video

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you so much 😀

[@loopylou]

Unbelievable talent

[@FoxesAfloat]

👍🏻

[@sharonwhite1985]

Great sign writing by yet another craftsman passionate about and dedicated to his work. So nice to see in these days of mass produced shoddy goods! The boat is beautiful.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you! x

[@Steve3717Cramer]

Your narrow boat is so elegant and classy, the lettering is perfect! We hope you two enjoy your life on Silver Fox. Rob and I have a fifth wheel RV here in the US and enjoy our time in it during the summer months. We are looking forward to spending more time traveling the country when we retire in a few years.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Hey guys! 👋🏻 I had to Google what ‘fifth wheel RV’ means 😂 Sounds like a cool retirement plan! xx

[@bvp7970]

What an artist, the best part for me is the black in black silverfox on the roof. Briljant idea and posh / cleaver. If you look to future video’s you can see that the little black line does a lot to the boat. You both got style

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you so much!

[@chrismurray2237]

The font is perfect. 👍🏻. What a classy design ion all of Silver Fox’s parts. 🌺🌸

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you, Chris 🙏❤️

[@Hedgey2]

what skill that man has... amazing

[@FoxesAfloat]

He really does. And he makes it look simple! Thanks, Grant xx

[@carolynabramo7108]

I can't wait to see her launch day vid. What a statement in elegance. Enjoy the weekend!

[@FoxesAfloat]

You won’t have to wait too long, Carolyn! xxx

[@carolynabramo7108]

I'm so happy!!!! Watching your joy and journey has been so fun.

[@juliapalfree5980]

Simple Chic - always works. The Audrey Hepburn of narrowboats!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Audrey Hepburn of narrowboats. Brilliant! xx

[@ssbohio]

I'm picturing a narrowboat in a little black dress.

[@stevesrepairs3815]

Very classy sign, subtle and stylish, modern and very in league with the boat. What a very talented guy Rob is, the boat looks fantastic guys you must be proud. All the best Stevie

[@FoxesAfloat]

He really is fantastic. Very popular guy! Thanks, Stevie! x

[@kenlennon]

For narrowboat Silve Fox it's perfect. You have been mindful and faithful to her. Well done fellas.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Ken. We love her! ❤️

[@grahamwilliams9877]

Absolutely magical, the man is a genius ...... perfect.

[@FoxesAfloat]

He really is!

[@haroldlawrence2990]

Great viewing pleasure to look back on the conception of Silver Fox during our CV-19 lockdown, I enjoy the look back, thanks.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Harold. 😛💜👍🏻

[@sgt_xs9905]

Amazing signwriting and great choice of font. I wish these skilled craftsmen, would start training an apprentice, skills like Rob Waggs are going to be lost, hope he has a trainee or is considering one. In all skilled work, be it Sign writing, painting, engineering, we need to get the young ones in and learning a trade.

[@FoxesAfloat]

He's a wizard with a paintbrush! x

[@NicholasFerrar]

Such a pleasure to watch such a talented person work.

[@FoxesAfloat]

The man's a wizard with a paintbrush!

[@andyhill242]

Signwriting, another talent I deeply admire. Not at all artistic myself!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Haha! Same. I draw like I did when I was 2 😂

[@helenoldfield8197]

I love your excitement and enthusiasm for every aspect of your much loved home. A joy to watch. Thank you!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Helen! xx

[@leeshellam3150]

That man has some serious skill ! Looks so simple bit super effective!

[@FoxesAfloat]

He's a wizard!

[@cerridwenUK]

I love the simplicity. More often than not the name and art work becomes the focus. So this was perfect. And his work is incredible

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks! 👍🏻

[@wendygriffiths585]

Wow, all the little details, what an incredible artist, perfect for your wonderful boat ❤️

[@FoxesAfloat]

Many thanks!

[@Figure11_Home_and_Garden]

Now there is a truly talented individual.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Hi Russel. You’re right there, Robs work is outstanding x

[@veronikabartram2092]

The whole boat is just pure class😃

[@FoxesAfloat]

Veronika, thank you! xxxx

[@7000bass]

I was fascinated by a man who wears masking tape on his right wrist, and then I realised...he’s left handed! A true artist so many say. Awesome Rob 🎨👍 Thanks again as always guys 🥰🥰

[@FoxesAfloat]

Wow! Haha!

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

I so agree with Dean Mills Simple and elegant and so in keeping with the rest of your so to be home >

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Bob ❤️

[@ambientman8150]

Super choice guys.. looks good, simple and elegant font.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Paul! x

[@pammyb1972]

Amazing work, so talented! And guys I have to say, it really is the classiest narrow boat I have EVER seen! Absolutely love it!!! 🤗👍🏻

[@FoxesAfloat]

Wow, thank you!

[@AntonyShannon]

A true statement name in a wonderful font

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Antony! Took some finding but we're please with it :) x

[@sandygaul1338]

Wow again that guy is amazing and a lefty like me !! lol . I love your attention to this boat almost like a child you have nurtured it it is so beautiful watch and you feel the love care and attention Silver Fox has had from creation . x

[@FoxesAfloat]

😁

[@NarrowboatChef]

Great choice, guys - it suits her so well! Not long now!!! 🤩🤩

[@FoxesAfloat]

Cheers. That's right! Counting down the days now :) xx

[@johnneal7832]

I have to say she is a really lovely looking boat lads, I think that font looks perfect, it really is artwork when it's done so well isn't it, and they make it look easy😂😂

[@FoxesAfloat]

Yeah, Rob makes it look effortless! Thanks, John!

[@TheChrysler56]

Still like to see a man in harmony with his brush. Great to see a real artist at work. Beats the old stick on transfers. 👍

[@FoxesAfloat]

Fabulous, isn't he? It was fascinating to watch him. xx

[@TheChrysler56]

Foxes Afloat.....something very relaxing to watch. Rob is very talented. All our lorries in a fleet of around 60 had one man come in and sign write. Was so mesmerising to watch. Glad to see it hasn’t died it’s death. 👍

[@jeffreynelson6795]

Loving the music. The boat is beautiful! Still binge watching.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Fuzzy1563]

Beautifully done, fits the style of the boat. Before she goes into the water, could you do a slow pan around her? She actually looks like she should be in a museum. Thanks.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Oh, don't worry Richard... Lots of slow pans and video of her on the way :) xx

[@HomelessHouston]

Perfect signature

[@FoxesAfloat]

👍🏻💜

[@moosabones]

Understated, stylish, nice.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Sue 👍🏻 xx

[@shellyskye527]

I typically don’t care much for script-like fonts but I have to say you all nailed this perfectly. Superb!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Shelley! xxx

[@myk7295]

As we say in the U.S. .JOLLY GOOD.

[@FoxesAfloat]

😂

[@davidcousins5493]

WOW. Fantastic, brilliant job Rob.

[@FoxesAfloat]

👍🏻

[@dougpercival2264]

Great graphic, found I was holding my breath when he was painting it lol 😂

[@FoxesAfloat]

Haha! Try being there. Every time there was a noise we were shushing everybody 😂

[@ronbearman6783]

Hi guys Great to see another craftsman at work looks really great .silver fox looks better every video can't wait to see it in the water

[@FoxesAfloat]

We can't wait either, Ron! Counting down the days now :) xx

[@chrishoffman7036]

What amazing work! That steady hand is impressive, and he made it look so easy! And I guess he did the name on both sides?

[@AdrianJeens]

It's great, love it and how skillful is Rob.

[@FoxesAfloat]

He's a true master! Perfect job. Thanks, Adrian :) x

[@garethcarruthers]

Yes, I think you’ve got it right, tastefully understated. Are you going to paint the back end in red and white, as appears to be the custom. Don’t waste too much time painting the boat, or you’ll never get it into the water. All the best

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Gareth. The stern is red and silver. It looks amazing! xx

[@Dozz70]

Wonderful Guys.....Love it!!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you! We do too :) x

[@therobster7761]

Tht little dimple up front? The small circle. A nice black simple outline of a Fox would look cool ?

[@MultiCandomble]

I personally like that Lucinda Calligraphy. It really gives an elegant flair. Great choice.

[@raew5263]

Fun to watch an artist at work. Very nice job! 👍

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lennyperkins5600]

Wonderful experience, thanks for sharing!

[@adamrant4138]

Great choice and here's why, if you decide to add to it later, you can, or not that is a future option. (Maybe a couple of foxes playing hide and seek and chasing each other around the boat). Really looking forward to the launch day (almost wrote lunch, time for something to eat i think). The greatest form of sophistication, is simplicity.

[@FoxesAfloat]

My favourite quote! I have to steal it! “The greatest form of sophistication is simplicity”. Just brilliant! Thanks, Adam xx

[@adamrant4138]

Your very welcome! And most befitting indeed! X

[@stephengardiner9867]

I may be completely off base here but there seems to have been quite common (particularly in the early days of the great Mediterranean powers... Phoenicia, Greece, Rome, Carthage etc.) to have a representation of an eye on each side of the bow. In the days before radar, astrolabes, compasses etc. this was probably a "talisman" of good luck, in hopes of giving the craft the ability to avoid peril and find its way back home. Maybe that "orb" on the bow is a modern day, stylized, take on that old tradition. Even if it has nothing at all to do with any tradition of any sort, let us hope it sees Silver Fox safely on her way for many a year.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Interesting thought 👍🏻 👁

[@janoakes9267]

What a talent! Stunning!

[@annie2950]

Simply stylish just like you too. Xx

[@FoxesAfloat]

I thought that said ‘Simple & stylish’, lol! 😂xx

[@pennyrees290]

Amazing it looks so elegant 👍😊 you must be so pleased and happy xx

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Penny. Yeah, we're over the moon with it :) xx

[@jimdavis5432]

Just pure class !!!!

[@FoxesAfloat]

That's why we wanted him to do it. He's a wizard! 👍🏻

[@katerh3198]

Very stylish. When she got her engine she came alive, now she has her name she's part of the family. :)

[@FoxesAfloat]

Just need to get her wet now! Counting down the days... Thanks, Kate! x

[@lupinvaenget13]

Beautiful name - look forward to launch......

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you! Not long till launch. Counting down the days...👍🏻

[@craigorford9932]

Love watching your vlogs,You 2 are so lucky with your life style

[@FoxesAfloat]

❤️

[@AOMCI2009Tomahawk]

Thank you for taking the time to show a master craftsman at work. Plus I enjoy the good humor of your vlogs!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Cheers, Jack! x

[@davidcaldwell1982]

Great art work, and it suits the boat and your selfs

[@FoxesAfloat]

Cheers, Dave!

[@ABNBBoatBrokerage]

Simple and elegant ... love it!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thank you.... Means a lot from you guys xx

[@markbutton3886]

C&S so happy for you both and the joy you have brought to us all as you have taken us along on this incredible journey. Looking forward to Launch day... all the best....

[@FoxesAfloat]

Hey, Mark! We're counting down the days! xx

[@johnsharman7614]

Hi guys WoW that sign writing on your narrowboat looks really professional Great work and like you said perfect for your floating home. Enjoying your vlogs as always, Good luck and stay safe. John.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, John!

[@aftonhalters]

I'm feeling that Banksy should be asked to do a little something on here...... :O GREAT IDEA! It's never too old to add

[@FoxesAfloat]

👍👍👍👍

[@gegwen7440]

Again very classy as less is more.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Exactly! Thanks :) xxx

[@annekevangorkum]

So perfect and it threw me back a loooooooooooong time ago, my father was a letterdesigner. One of my favorit vlogs (pfffff there are so many "my favorits", you make them all "favorits"!))

[@FoxesAfloat]

Aww, thank you, Anneke! 💜

[@msinclair8261]

Nice work Rob. I see he was left handed. Apparently so was Leonardo Da Vinci........

[@FoxesAfloat]

I never knew that! Another legend in the making :) x

[@sylviamarlow9149]

So many artistic and creative people are left-handed. My daughter is an artist and left-handed too. My brother is a painter - same thing.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Fabulously simple and spot on. 👍🏻 Trev

[@FoxesAfloat]

Cheers, Trev. Exactly what we thought :) x

[@PoshcatsCamping]

It’s going to look amazing on the water. You guys must be bursting with excitement. Thanks for sharing the build, it’s been terrific 😉👍🏻

[@sylviapage8572]

It’s just right. Perfect. Thanks as always for taking the time to share your experience.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Sylvia! xxx

[@pootle2768]

That’s beautiful and is just perfect on your gorgeous narrow boat. X

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Mandy! ❤️

[@mignondaymond7038]

My Dad used to be a signwriter, I used to love watching him paint Christmas windows, where he had to write the letters backwards.

[@FoxesAfloat]

Wow! What a skill 👍🏻

[@sionbenjamin4513]

Beautiful!!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Thanks, Sion 👍🏻

[@suesmith6721]

That is so classy. Rob is brilliant. I love watching people who are so talented doing what they’re good at. It was very relaxing X

[@FoxesAfloat]

He’s a genius, Sue! We love his effort! xx

[@WeaverBird64]

Stunning!

[@FoxesAfloat]

Isn't she! xxxx Thanks!

[@summerking8659]

Cool font - especially like the way he has written the F in Fox :-)

[@FoxesAfloat]

Yeah, we love it!