A very charming piece, this hand painted sign for the Devon based Solicitor B.N.O. Prettejohn is complete with a wonderfully styled manicule. Although competently painted there's definitely a slightly naieve charm to the style of signwriting seen here, and the signwriter's pencil notes remain visible to the reverse.

The cream lettering contrasts nicely against the black background and the piece has aged nicely with gentle surface cracking and slight discoluration. Continuing with the naieve charm, the piece is hung from two, mismatching fixings. 

 

B.N.O. Prettejohn was based in Kingsbridge, Devon - he's referenced in 1920s/'30s newspaper articles as the solicitor dealing with various local estates and it is recorded that in 1937 Col. Frank and Mr George Windeatt bought the solicitor’s practice of the late Mr. B.N.O. Prettejohn from his executors so I think it's safe to assume that this sign probably dates to the 1920s. 

 

The piece measures 64cm wide x 33cm high x 3cm deep. 

 

S/N: #2466