Rob Walker x David A Smith MBE

Photo by Department Two

Rob Walker is a sign writer, ornamental glass sign maker and founder of Signs by Umberto. Rob first began sign writing in 1991 at the age of 14 and since then, has created some absolutely breathtaking pieces – including his ‘Keep Glen Dye a Secret’ sign on the side of a house at our sister business Glen Dye Cabins & Cottages, and his ‘GROW’ sign in the walled Garden at Hawarden.

Here, Rob talks about his mentor David A Smith MBE, a fellow sign maker and glass gilding artist.

My mentor is David A Smith MBE from Torquay. I first came across Dave in 2012, during a time where I was struggling in my role as a course leader for graphic design in further education. I was finding that the pressures of targets and additional paperwork were making me unhappy, and I wasn’t sure what to do about it. I came across Dave quite by accident; I liked to give my students something inspiring as a resource at the start of every lecture and whilst looking through Vimeo’s staff picks, I found a video about the album artwork for John Mayer’s Born and Raised. The artwork was by Dave. 

With 10 minutes to go before my students arrived, I decided to watch the film. It made me cry. Listening to Dave describe his artistic process with such humble honesty was inspiring. He spoke about making signs using gold and glass, about cutting detailing out using a scalpel blade. These things needed both speed and incredible accuracy.

“The way he spoke and the way he described how he felt towards his craft filled me with total joy.”

Fast forward to 5 years later: it’s 2017 and I find myself resigning from my aforementioned job. My last pay cheque was £140 and I had nothing lined up to go onto next. I think I had what you might describe as a mini breakdown due to the stress of the targets I mentioned, plus the general culture within education.

“But in that moment, despite how I felt, a lightbulb went off: I would return to sign writing.”

I took action, managed to speak to Dave on the phone, and together we booked some workshops to help jumpstart my new career. 

If I’m honest, I was never aware that I needed a mentor nor wanted one, or even that Dave was going to be that person for me. But he was calm – which is what I needed – and he has honestly given me the skills and mental tools to help me make work that enriches my soul. The work that I currently create brings great joy to both me and my family. 

We are in touch often. I know that I can call on Dave over text or the phone if and when I need it.

“I’ve gained a friend, a mentor and a walking bank of inspirational resource.”

When I’m working, I think of his work and how much it has impacted so many people. My hope now is to keep our craft alive in the north of England. 

The best piece of advice that Dave has ever given me is to take my time. Since he said this, I’ve realised how important it is. A piece will take as long as it takes and the fact that the materials that I use dictate the speed with which I work, fills me with joy. You have to treat glass and gold with respect – or the mistakes are costly. By telling me to take my time, Dave gave me a sense of ‘now’, a sense of feeling the material bend to your will – or maybe me bending to the will of the material! 

Photo by Department Two

Dave knows that he has helped me a great deal. I tell him often and shout to the world about the experiences that I have had with him because it’s been so enriching. In fact, I was invited by The Heritage Craft Association to help gather information on Dave that could be submitted for an award. The submission was successful, and I’m delighted to say that David A Smith is now an MBE, thanks to his tireless dedication to teaching and learning. 

In some ways, I guess I have my own mentees now. I’ve passed gilding techniques on to students at The University of Huddersfield and was nominated as an inspirational lecturer by those students. I hold that accolade close, and those students have become friends post-graduation and some have even commissioned me.

“I’m proud that some managed to gain results that they otherwise wouldn’t have, had it not been for their gilding tuition.”

When it comes to myself as a student, I apply myself 100% to learning as much about this craft as I can. I feel proud of what I’ve achieved in a short amount of time and I sincerely hope that my family – and my mentor – are all proud of how I’ve practiced this craft.