|
|
Article: Signs of the times - and pub art is here to stay ; The traditional, handcrafted pictorial pub sign has been a staple of the countryside since the 14th century. A Royal Act passed in 1393 made it compulsory for pubs and inns to have a sign hanging outside, to identify them to official ale testers and a largely illiterate population.
- Article from:
- Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK)
- Article date:
- December 13, 2008
CopyrightCopyright 2008 Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
The traditional, handcrafted pictorial pub sign has been a staple
of the countryside since the 14th century. A Royal Act passed in
1393 made it compulsory for pubs and inns to have a sign hanging
outside, to identify them to official ale testers and a largely
illiterate population.
Since then they have become a familiar and friendly presence
creaking outside our favourite local pub, but will they be there for
much longer?
Despite being recently voted as the country's number one iconic
image, there are fears the traditional handmade pub sign is dying
out.
Author Bill Bryson, president of the Campaign to Protect Rural
England, described the industry as a "shrinking market" due to a
"profusion ...