India Tyre and Rubber Co, of Inchinnan, Scotland opened their factory on the site of a former aircraft manufacturer in 1927. Initially the Scottish tyre manufacturer was very prosperous; at their peak in the 1930s they employed over 2500 factory workers and had the architects of the Hoover Building design their offices - which are still regarded as one of Scotland's 'hidden wonders'. However the company only enjoyed around 50 years in business, vacating their factory in the early 1980s.

 

This mid-sized enamel sign would've been produced during the company's more successful years, probably dating from the 1930s/early '40s, it features bright, strong colours and bold, outlined typography. India Tyres were relatively early adopters of 'paint on metal' advertising signs, which makes these nicer, enamel examples earlier and more unusual.

 

This sign has survived in reasonable condition for it's age, but certainly shows signs of a life lived! There's enamel loss scattered across the surface of the sign, though the outer edges / corners all remain present and the original mounting holes are strong and usable. The colours remain vibrant, though there's a mottling to the enamel that's affected it's surface gloss. This is most noticeable against the red / orange background colours... In my opinion these defects add to the character of the piece without affecting it's impact or legibility. 

 

The sign measures 91.5cm wide x 46cm high. 

 

S/N: #0951