The Factory That Makes Tube Roundels

Based on the Isle of Wight, A.J. have developed, manufactured and installed thousands of signs for TfL including most recently the roundels for the new Elizabeth Line.
They invited me to see how their vitreous enamel and screen printing process happen which enables them to make signs and roundels for the Tube, and the Paris Metro as well.
A.J Wells website : www.ajwells.co...

[@geofftech2]

In my Q&A video last week, someone asked me "What is your favourite recurring joke/in-gag", and i've just realised it probably is the Isle of Wight one ... ;-)

[@TheCaterhamBusGuys]

lol

[@TheCaterhamBusGuys]

i’ve ACTUALLY never been to the isle of wight

[@thediamonder11]

One of my favorites too!

[@heidirabenau511]

I said it in the comments!

[@poker_cat]

Whats an isle of wight?

[@TheTimTraveller]

That Hector Guimard sign 😍😍😍 Ok everyone, can we please agree that if you see a man in a hat paddling southwards from the Isle of Wight with a small enamel panel under his arm, it definitely wasn't me

[@rogink]

On my last trip back from the Island I definitely did NOT see the man in a hat using the Metro sign to paddle his boat :)

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

At least he didn't use it as the boat/raft. ;)

[@kathrynstemler6331]

I mean, we’re not here to see any of that.

[@Rutgerman95]

"Hello and 'Good evening, lads'! Today I'm on the Isle Of Wight to break into a metro signage factory"

[@MartinAhlman]

You can blame me, I might have an alibi...

[@caw25sha]

Nice to see a company run by someone who understands and is involved in the processes rather than sitting in an office rambling on about bottom lines, key performance indicators and all that rubbish.

[@spewter]

Yeah, they were great. In my experience small/medium business owners are passionate about what they produce.

[@ZaphodHarkonnen]

Eh, that rubbish is still important. It's just that you have to keep in mind it exists to support the production of stuff and employment of people. That's usually where business operators fall over.

[@Coolcarting]

Ohh, you better believe that there is someone sitting in an office rambling on about bottom lines, key performance indicators and all of that rubbish. That's how companies work and succeed.

[@paulcassidy8130]

How to start off a comment sensibly but finish with woeful stupidity.

[@timtjtim]

I’m not sure you understand how companies work

[@tonycook603]

As an Isle of Wighter great to see A J Wells getting a spot in the limelight. The Wells family are nice people, it's a great local business.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @tonycook603 as Isle of Wighters we would like to thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@marthaanderson2656]

I am in absolute heaven this morning. The graphic design of the Underground is the top reason I love it. What an amazing company . I have to imagine that someone with a passion for the technologies used in this shop would have a wonderful job opportunity in an interesting place to live. Thank you for bringing us here. I hope the company remains in good and caring hands for years to come.

[@cambridgemart2075]

I had no idea the LUL / TFL signs were vitreous enamelled! Thanks Geoff for another gem of information.

[@victordkv8525]

Really, really interesting to see how it's done. Such craftmanship and dedication - they even built a part tube station to show their skills! Loved it.

[@thomascook578]

Great video, was cool to see the Paris metro signs too. Shame you couldn't get the guy to maje it Battersea Power Station Station

[@roboftherock]

For me, this is the most interesting video you have produced in a very long time.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @roboftherock thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@spenny690]

I've just booked a trip to the UK from New Zealand, and after watching this, l can't wait to ride the tube again. Also excited for the Elizabeth Line, as it was still being built last time l was there

[@bernadinesavarin]

I love seeing this local family-owned business and the pride they clearly have of creating the Tube roundels. But mist importantly, I'm finding some more stations I'm missing from the tube station memory game. I can't believe I forgot Stockwell! 😮

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

Never thought I'd thoroughly enjoy a video on fabrication, but.......here I am! Great to see that TfL chose a local business to support to make all the signage, and Paris too- what a great opportunity for them!

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @becsterbrisbane6275 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@Andrew_h975]

Hi becster

[@RichardWells1]

So *that's* what the other branch of our family have been doing for so many generations! They're rightly very proud of their excellent work.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @RichardWells1 thank you for your kind words. See you on MS Teams on Monday.

[@OffTheRailsUK]

I love how whenever Geoff goes to a factory he always asks if he can take a souvenir 😂

[@TalesOfWar]

At least he asks lol.

[@OffTheRailsUK]

@@TalesOfWar Yeah I know

[@bernhardschmalhofer855]

I waited for Geoff asking for a Battersea Power Station Station roundel.

[@gilles111]

Waiting for a factory saying "Yes, take whatever you like" and then watch Geoff trying to take everything with him.

[@TalesOfWar]

@@bernhardschmalhofer855 If they made it, would that technically make it an official station roundel?

[@Eddyspeeder]

What a BRILLIANT video! Really loved it. The passion and pride these people have for their art just radiates through the video. Surely Geoff's fingers were aching to fix the Battersea Power Station Station sign!

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @Eddyspeeder thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw

[@GryphLane]

As part of my job my bread and butter is designing signs, albeit for National Highways (though I've not actually done that for a while). I'm always fascinated to see the other side of the process! And they're on the Isle of Wight, where I was brought up!

[@Twigs86]

Amazing video and very interesting to watch. Thanks Geoff 😊xx

[@1234j]

That was FUN. So informative and interesting. Great people. Thank you.

[@brianschar5664]

That was a really interesting video. Many thanks to AJ Wells for taking the time to show you around, to explain their process, and just taking time out of their busy day to educate all of us transport nerds about what they do!

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @brianschar5664 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@davidgibson1978]

Great to see what goes behind all the millions of roundels, signs and TFL maps. Seeing Geoff screen printing brought back memories of screen printing t-shirts at school.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @davidgibson1978 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@edwardburek1717]

That is amazing. To think that a company does thousands of bespoke TfL signs as a side line to their main business of making fire stoves. And it was great to see you drag Mark along. If there's anyone who knows their roundels, this is indeed the man.

[@hannahk1306]

And a sideline to the sideline in Paris metro signs. I wonder if they do any other metros?

[@farmersteve129]

and doing the stoves was a sideline to general engineering...

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @edwardburek1717 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw

[@heidirabenau511]

The green screens just keep getting better, Geoff, you're a great editor.

[@peabody1976]

This is even better than the so-called "Moon Landing" 😆

[@WoomiestWoomy]

@@peabody1976or when people are on “planes”

[@saturnsandjupiters358]

@@WoomiestWoomyeven better than when people ‘travel’

[@CockatooTransit]

@@saturnsandjupiters358 and better than when people are taking 'cruises'

[@JulianShagworthy]

​@@CockatooTransitAnd better than when people are sitting on the toilet, grimacing up at the ceiling tiles as they squeeze out an awful diarrhoea

[@AlRoderick]

Those enamel signs are absolutely beautiful, it's like using Adobe illustrator to make stained glass.

[@robblissism]

He was using CorelDRAW 😆

[@neilbain8736]

Someone had a grand day out. And there's job satisfaction indeed! I love the vibrancy of the colours too.

[@justthatguy018]

Cool to find out how roundels are made!

[@railingaroundeurope]

That video (much like the furnace) is absolutely on fire. One of your best in my opinion (already a very high bar!) - I knew AJ made the signage but not the backstory that this video tells so well... great that it's still in the family too.

[@Eddyspeeder]

Geoff's hottest video ❤‍🔥

[@rogink]

Yeah one of my favourites.

[@MrGreatplum]

Wonderful stuff - your CGI skills are epic - one day you will make it to the Isle of Wight! 😜 4:19 - lucky Jim to have his own dustpan. 9:35 - poor Tim Traveller 😢😜

[@user-cn3js2su6s]

😊 I want this video

[@nikofenton]

i'm a graphic design student so seeing that the signs are actually screen printed is making me so ecstatic this is the coolest job ever

[@AudioTones67]

The very definition of "a kid in a lolly shop". Beautiful work Geoff!

[@paulhollis8879]

Can I have this? No. 😂 This was a beautiful little video, Geoff. It also shows the massive behind-the-scenes industry, beyond the visible railway, that I know so well.

[@jacobbaer785]

It's cool to see Mark Ovenden here! I've had his book, Transit Maps of the World, since I was a kid, and it was one of the biggest things going that led to my interest in transit today! This may be a selfish request, but I would love to see Geoff do an interview with him!

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for the video Geoff that was very interesting. ❤

[@slimey99uk]

Great to watch this video. As someone who grew up on the Isle of Wight in the 70's and 80's, AJ Wells was very much part of my childhood. I'd regularly walk or cycle past their building (Westminster Lane in Newport at the time), but they were very much the stove people then.

[@keith800]

loved to see this video , it is so nice to see a small down to earth British company getting the work to supply such a large organization of TFL their signs , I also loved their wood burning stoves and great to see what a bit of good old British innovative attitude can produce , good luckto them down on the Isle of Wight.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @keith800 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@Mainyehc]

As a graphic/type designer and teacher (hugely influenced by Johnston’s work, especially his posthumous treatise “Formal Penmanship”) and transport geek, this video ticks all the boxes for me. 🙃 Great work as usual, Geoff!

[@kaliou6645]

11:50 🚂🇬🇧💛Ever since I bought my multicolored Roundet Shirt at TFL Museum Shop at Covent Garden, I became a fan of the tube. No doubt that Roundel has become "The Face" of the London Underground⭕️💛Excellent as always Geoff

[@davekirwin]

Naturally, as a designer and transport geek, this appeals to me on so many levels. Nice one Geoff (and Mark!)

[@AnUntitledPicture]

Love the design and graphics of the Underground, this was bliss!

[@sambarton5963]

You really ought to consider your first ever visit to the Isle of Wight, there's many exciting things to see there.

[@tsl56]

The real spirit of enterprise! I used to love being allowed to create enamelware in metalwork classes. Companies like this give us some real hope for the future, using trad tech in new ways.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @tsl56 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@SonofChurchill]

Now on my list to go. Thanks Geoff

[@MLCraane]

Great video! I love all of the designs (roundels, tiles, maps, signage etc) of the London Underground (heritage and current). So informative!!!

[@Whouk]

Fantastic video. Love how much detail it goes into. And also might have reminded me of a Tube station I’d forgotten…

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @Whouk thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@MervynPartin]

Magnificent. Both the video and the professionalism of the staff there.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @MervynPartin thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@nickbarber2080]

It's fascinating. In the 80s I went on a LURS visit to Garnier Signs in Wilesden who then made the vitreous enamel signs for LT...saw the whole process...really interesting.

[@rgrrbuchanan]

Wow! Never knew it all happened on Isle of Wight and totally wonderful to see we still have generational world class manufacturing companies like this! Must have been so difficult not to sneak something out - can't put a sign under you jumper though! 😜

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @rgrrbuchanan thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

A simply fantastic episode. How wonderful that such a family run company exists. Their products are exemplary. 👏👏👍😀

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @andrewdolinskiatcarpathian thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@tramcrazy]

This was very well edited - perfect style for a mini documentary, loved the way that the interview served as a kind of narration

[@Sasha-1313]

Fascinating video, thank you so much to Geoff and everyone involved. I wonder why I never wondered where the roundels come from, but now I know where the elves that make them are!

[@rivaterrier]

Love the pride and passion of all the folks involved. Great video, thanks for making it and sharing it with us.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @rivaterrier thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@JaapFilius]

O wow, what a lovely on-line excursion this is. Thank you for making this video.

[@jonathanscripps917]

Geoff this is wonderful, especially the "men in sheds" beginnings of this company and their proud family still running it today. I'd absolutely reccomend Marks book, London Underground By Design to anyone who wants to know more about the the history of the signs that are so familiar to travellers and synonymous with our capital city. 21K viewers in 5 hours, I think this could be one of your most popular creations and rightly so. Superb work Geoff, thank you. By the way, you should go to the Isle of Wight sometime.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @jonathanscripps917 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@kabongpope]

Oh this is just fantastic! What a treat

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

I love seeing this sort of content that highlights interesting manufacturing places like this. You've struck something between the styles of Tom Scott and SmarterEveryDay.

[@alanjrobertson]

Fantastic video, Geoff. The quality of work from AJ Wells is superb and they seem a really nice friendly company too!

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @alanjrobertson thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@risingchads]

It's interesting that others (who?) are still making signs. Not enough said about those who came anonymously before such as Garnier, Bruton, Burnam and others, and further back from Patent Enamel (who stuck their name on them). It's great the tradition continues, and lovely to see the heritage signs so well done.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Very nice piece on a family-owned business. Great tie-ins with the staff, too. Wish them continued success!

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @michaelbruchas6663 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@theresabradley4716]

That was really interesting - it's fascinating to see how these signs are made.

[@brettpalfrey4665]

The temptation to liberate a souvenir must have been huge! Well done for resisting the urge!

[@aoxby8037]

It's nice that all the VFX companies allow you to test the new tech on these Isle of white videos.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

This is truly a milestone on the channel and I love this! 👏🏽

[@Bigaitch]

Really interesting to see this as there was a company in Ockendon in Essex who made some of the roundels about 30 years ago. They used to leave them outside too albeit in a secured yard. Many a time i wanted to run the risk late at night of climbing the fence and ... ahem...'aquiring' one...

[@thesalopgardener]

So lovely to see. As soon as I saw the name of the firm I thought hang on that's Charnwood Stoves. Amazing company.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @thesalopgardener thank you for your kind words

[@marklarmour123]

Absolutely brilliant video - lovely to see the care and interest taken by the team and their pride in what they produce

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @marklarmour123 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@RandomRailways]

Brilliant! This is now probably my second favourite Geoff film after Choose Corrour!

[@iiExplosionz12]

It''s nice to see behind the scenes on how these signs are made for metro/tube purposes. And as a Paris metro enthusiast, I never realised they made these for the metro in Paris too! Especially for the line diagram on line 4 at 10:04

[@johnstilljohn3181]

That really is brilliant - so good that the signs are all made in the UK - and the IOW....!

[@mickontherock1]

Excellent video as always and what an excellent company . May they go on forever.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @mickontherock1 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

This is amazing Geoff and this is why London has THE best transport system , I walk around the underground daily and now , I can think of this video 🙏🙏💯💯

[@mattbennett1631]

The insights you get Geoff into the industry is beyond amazing. So jealous 😂😂 Always wanted a proper sign from the company, this video may give me the final push to buy one 🔥🔥

[@geofftech2]

www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/vintage-shop/elizabeth-line-signs

[@mattbennett1631]

​@@geofftech2thanks Geoff

[@peabody1976]

I can't wait until TfL decide on new Overground Line route names, and AJ Wells signs will again be called into service!

[@Birdie336]

Is this happening for sure?

[@Vegatermik]

What an emblematic place filled with people full of passion and commitment. I was just imagining (also thanks to your creativity on YT) such signs on one of the walls of the block of flats where I live, especially at night. Although the first capital of Poland does not have a subway, these tube roundels certainly help illuminate reality and are unique. I am grateful for taking me on a great trip as well.

[@alanreader4815]

Fascinating Video Geoff.

[@DanTheGamerAndTrains]

Always wanted to know how roundels are made, great video!

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Absolutely amazing and astonishing!

[@VikPaints]

Real pride in their work and quite right too, what superb signage, right the way through the whole process. Wonderful to know they are made in the UK. As an Artist I would kill for a job in that company, alas I fear my train departed sometime ago. What an interesting video, I'll never look at underground signs in the same way again 👍

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @VikTheArtist thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@DanBmthUK]

Bought some enamel Tube signage from various auctions in the past and have managed to buy the proper fixings for these signs from these guys.

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @DanBmthUK thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@almuric1baggins337]

Brilliant video! Very interesting to see how the things you never think about on the underground are produced. Seems like a really friendly company to work in too! The 13 minutes of this video flew by in what seemed about 2 minutes! Well done Geoff ... all the best! 👍👍👍

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @almuric1baggins337 thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@bizmen81]

This was neat! Thank you!

[@SelkentScania472]

Nice to see one of Geoff’s clones of himself going to the Isle Of Wight once again. The real Geoff must be very sad rn🤣🤣 Jokes aside, it’s really good to see an insight on these roundels and how they are made, great video!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

1:44 What a fascinating origin story 🔥

[@oliverghunter]

This might just be one of, if not the most, favourtie of your films! Genuinely interesting and informative, fascinating in fact - what an amazing company and I loved how enthused you both were - kids in a candy shop! 😀

[@AJWellsandSonsLtd]

Hi @oliverghunter thank you for your kind words. We love what we do and we are so pleased you liked what you saw.

[@coral1a]

Geoff never fails to amaze me, also, tomorrow I’m going to start my own end of the line!

[@meijiturtle3814]

A brilliant and informative video. Thanks Geoff.

[@raythomas4812]

what a interesting video, its always good to see people who enjoy their jobs. really enjoyed that .thanks

[@HenrysAdventures]

I'd love to see a Paris style station on the London Underground and visa versa, especially as the signs come from the same factory!

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Gotta make the switch on April Fools' Day.

[@martino9143]

Fascinating! Thank you for visiting and making this video.

[@garypoulton7311]

My company started silk screen printing, years and years ago, but its all plot and vinyl graphics now, sadly. Good to see this.

[@JasonBerryman]

Great video! I was amused at the KING'S CROSS roundel, whereas it should be KINGS CROSS ST PANCRAS

[@neville132bbk]

That was just Brilliantly done.... following on from the absorbing oddness but strange attractiveness of Drayton Park and Essex Rd. The crispness and sheer design/production purity of the signs is 4 star quality. From the Interested Observer in Levin NZ... carry on, Geoff...... My only sign souvenirs are photos of me at Canary Wharf ( love it ) and by a Holborn sign on the platform. Metlink, that runs the Greater Wellington area rail network, uses a lime green lettering on deepish royal blue. No idea what the font is.

[@geofftech2]

thanks Neville, very kind comment!

[@mralistair737]

enameling ins amazing, it is bulletproof. i visited a factory who make baths, they had staff who used a bath as a barbecue.. then after the bbq it was perfect and pristine

[@mralistair737]

the truth is that ther signs mign be a bit more expensive.. maybe 5x more expensive but they are not going to ear out.. ever

[@boatman323]

Like a kid in a sweet shop :)

[@DonaldTrumpIsGreat]

Good Video On London Underground Roundels 👍

[@customtransport2777]

It’s exciting to see that my local station is featured in the thumbnail! 🤩

[@colingraham1065]

They make all those wonderful signs on the island and they travel around on recycled tube trains as well! Maybe add IoW to the bottom end of the tube map?

[@kavyman1066]

Love this video, the company and the IOW! Kudos!

[@comedyhunter]

Fascinating, great to see stuff like this being made

[@Deanrwp]

Hi Geoff, Absolutely brilliant video of the company who makes all the lovely London Underground Signage as well as Paris Metro, I already knew they are made in Isle of Wight, as I watched it once on How It’s Made on Discovery Channel, I think it is a important part of British 🇬🇧 Engineering at its best! 😊

[@Faithdenelzen]

Awesome seeing how the Underground signage is produced 👌

[@johnpettigrew83]

Great find Geoff