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: #2619