Hollie Paxton

designer maker

Signs of Deptford

MEGA, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin
WOW, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin
THE DOGS NUTS, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin
THE DOGS NUTS, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin (worn by owner of Abstracticus antique shop, now closed)
HOME MADE, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin (modeled in Wellbeloved Butchers now closed)
GOD, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin (modeled by local market seller)
FRESH, brooch, powder coated brass with silver pin (modeled by local shopkeeper)

Positive Signs of Deptford

This project explored ways of recording and highlighting Deptford’s unique character through recreating the handwritten signs found in its shops and market. These signs reflect the individuality, humour and optimism of the people who work there.

Original handwriting from local shopkeepers’ and market traders’ signs was used to create etched metal forms. The signs were powder-coated in bright fluorescent colours and worn by the shopkeepers themselves. Words such as ‘GOD’ and ‘THE DOGS NUTS’ become positive statements celebrating Deptford’s community.