Professor Philip Howell’s new book, part of Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons series, dives headfirst into the fascinating world of pub signs – those boisterous, weathered sentinels guarding the hallowed halls of British alehouses. And let me tell you, it’s a journey well worth taking. Forget dusty academic tomes; this is a vibrant exploration of history, art, and, of course, good old-fashioned pub culture, painted with the same rich hues found on a well-worn signboard itself.
Think of pub signs as the Rosetta Stone of British social history. Each chipped paint stroke, each faded emblem, whispers tales of centuries past. They’re more than just directions; they’re storytellers, each one a miniature epic etched in wood and paint. They’re the silent witnesses to countless pints pulled, laughter shared, and friendships forged under their watchful gaze. Howell expertly unveils the hidden meanings embedded within these seemingly simple signs, turning the familiar into the fantastic.
The book isn’t just a dry recitation of facts and figures; it’s a lively exploration of the lore and language of these iconic symbols. Howell expertly navigates the labyrinthine history, revealing how the imagery – from the majestic stag to the whimsical mermaid – became inextricably linked to the very essence of the public house. These aren’t mere decorations; they are carefully chosen signifiers, each imbued with a specific meaning, a subtle wink to the local community, or a bold declaration of the establishment’s character.
Consider the “Red Lion”. This isn’t just any lion; it’s a powerful symbol, steeped in royal history and heraldic tradition. Or take the ubiquitous “Crown”, a potent representation of power and authority, whispering tales of monarchs and loyal subjects who once graced its threshold. Each sign, Howell argues, acts as a microcosm of the broader social and political landscape, its symbolism subtly reflecting the prevailing moods and values of the time.
But it’s not just the grand, historical signs that Howell examines. He delves into the quirky, the whimsical, and the downright bizarre – the signs that have evolved organically, reflecting the unique personality of the pub itself and the community it serves. These are the signs that truly capture the imagination, the ones that seem to possess a personality of their own. Imagine a “Drunken Duck” waddling across a weathered signboard or a “Jolly Farmer” forever stuck in a state of amiable inebriation. These are not just illustrations; they’re visual jokes, inside quips shared between the pub and its patrons, a testament to the convivial spirit of the British pub.
Howell masterfully unpacks the evolution of sign-painting techniques, the materials used, and the craftsmanship involved. He paints a vivid picture of the artisans who created these works of art, often working with limited resources and under challenging conditions. These individuals weren’t just painters; they were storytellers, using their brushes to communicate with the public in a visually rich, immediate, and incredibly effective way.
The book is a reminder that pub signs are more than just directions to a pint of ale; they are fragments of a much larger narrative, a rich tapestry woven from threads of history, art, and local culture. They are a testament to the enduring power of the British pub, a place where stories are told, laughter echoes, and the passage of time is marked not just by the hands of a clock, but by the slow, deliberate fading of paint on a weathered signboard. They are, in Howell’s words, the “silent storytellers” of our shared heritage, and this book is a much-needed guide to understanding their whispered tales.
This is a book that should be on every pub enthusiast’s bookshelf – indeed, on every bookshelf, period. It’s a vibrant and fascinating read, brimming with wit, insight, and a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of these often-overlooked works of art. It’s a captivating exploration of how these seemingly humble signs become potent symbols, telling a captivating story that is both local and global, reflecting the rich tapestry of British life.
