David Adrian Smith

Sign-writer

Reverse glass sign painter

David’s craft is considered in danger of extinction
He has trained thousands of aspiring sign writers
Amongst his many masterpieces is a cover for a John Mayer record

David Adrian Smith, Dave to his friends, works and lives in a large house turned workshop surrounded by his own team of women. It is here, under the gaze of his wife and daughters, that the marvellous glass signs, reminiscent of the Victorian era that David has been making for over 30 years come to life. A career that began at a very young age and a bit by chance, thanks to a family friend who, knowing the boy's passion for drawing, suggested he create a hotel sign. “I was 13 years old, I took such pleasure in it that I decided that this would be my job. Three years later I was already quite famous in Torquay, the town where my parents had come to live, for the writings I made on cars and commercial vans,” he explains. Today, David is considered a superstar around the world when it comes to the art of reverse glass sign writing.

Interview

Where did your interest for this profession derive?: My grandfather took care of lithographs, as a child drawing was one of my favourite activities. But the real epiphany that made me understand the direction to take was my first trip to London in 1988: the windows of The Princess Louise pub shocked me with their beauty. My goal was to go back to that style and that beauty.
Was this when you opened your studio?: Yes. I worked for a company that did sign writing, the same company where I had done my apprenticeship, spending the first six months making tea. Returning from that trip to London I went to my boss and told him that we had to rediscover that richness and that aesthetic taste. He said no, my father then urged me to start my own business.
What is its mission?: Combining utility, I mainly make windows for commercial businesses looking for beauty. I could never give up the more artistic and creative aspect of my work, and that's why I started from scratch a few years ago. My studio had several employees, but to guarantee a salary for everyone I also accepted jobs that had little artistic value.
Is your craft considered endangered by the Heritage Crafts Association?: Yes, and it is for this reason that I try to pass it on to new generations. Teaching is an integral part of my work, my home is filled with students from all over the world during the year. Over the years, I have trained over a thousand young people. Among them there is also one of my daughters, who I hope will one day continue the family business.

David Adrian Smith is a master artisan: he began his career in 1983 and he started teaching in 1996