A J Wells trip

Did you know that all the London Underground signs are made on the Isle of Wight? (well, most of them). This was one of many interesting things that we learned on our guided tour of the A J Wells factory in Newport. It was far bigger than I'd imagined, with160 people busily producing wood-burning stoves, signs and artworks - in fact almost anything that might be made from metal and enameled.

They seemed very open to experimenting with new techniques and even make their own enamel glazes by grinding up broken glass and adding various colouring materials. Although most of the production is on an industrial scale, they also often work with artists to create new pieces of work.

Below is a picture of a batch of signs coming out of one of the huge furnaces.



I'll look on the signs in a new light next time traveling on the Tube.