It’s not just the artworks that capture your attention when you come to the Art for Guernsey Gallery: our exhibitions are always complemented by striking and informative signage, from the large panels outside the buildings to the small narrative cards that explain the artists’ processes and inspirations. We can always rely on Dowding Signs to do a great job, invariably working to a tight deadline. We spoke to Dave Dowding and Chris Broughton to find out what it is like to work with us.
How long has Dowding Signs been working with Art for Guernsey?
Dave: From the beginning in 2016, long before Art for Guernsey had a home. We’d already done a lot of work for Jock [Pettitt] so we were his go-to people.
We know we ask a lot of you – what is it like to work with us?
Chris: It’s great – it’s always interesting and it’s sometimes a challenge. It can often be quite close to the wire. We’re the last in the queue because there are a lot of things we can’t do until everyone else has done their bit. So if the gallery walls are being painted we can’t put our signs up until that’s finished.
Dave: All the jobs are different, but there are similarities. We know what we’re doing but timing is the main challenge. Everybody’s the same – it’s just the industry we’re in. It’s our lot as signwriters, but I quite like the buzz of it, and it makes life interesting!
Has any project been a particular highlight?
Dave: They’ve all been fun in their own way but the Renoir Walk and the Turner Trail stand out because they provide a lasting legacy.
Chris: Both Renoir exhibitions – Through the Eyes of a Master at Beau Sejour and Renoir in Guernsey, 1883 – were great to
be involved with.
What has been the most challenging project?
Chris: It would have to be the big Renoir exhibition because of the sheer number of panels – that was a challenge but it didn’t faze us. The Turner Trail was also quite tricky because Jock had a particular vision in his mind and we had to work out a way of doing it that was going to last for years.
Dave: Because we’ve worked together so long, whatever the challenge there’s an element of trust in the way we work and the way we receive information as well.
What you do is so much more than printing signs – do people appreciate the skill and creativity behind what you do?
Dave: I think people who turn up on the day probably don’t realise what’s involved, but the people who see us working appreciate how much work goes into it.
Chris: If you walk into the gallery and see a few panels it might look straightforward but the process of getting it from Mike [Chatfield]’s artwork and onto the PVC and cut out is quite involved.
Are you creative?
Dave: I trained as a traditional signwriter, so my history is using brushes – there’s a skillset which is needed, whether it’s hand painted or produced on a computer. I still do some hand painting, like the crest on the Royal Court building, and it’s something I love to do.
