Biggin Hill 'Welcome' signs

Construction

The signs were designed and built by T. J. Recycled Materials in Bromley. Tim Pickthall explains:

Before any design work could begin, The Biggin Hill and District Resident's Association had to obtain a licence from the Ministry of Defence, permitting the displaying of the RAF Biggin Hill Station crest on a maximum of five signs.

Tim Pickthall

An example of the timbers they use are these greenheart hardwood timber (which was originally used for dock (jetty) pilings on the Thames River)

 

With the issuing of this licence, The Biggin Hill and District Resident's Association, the London Borough of Bromley and Transport for London (TFL) were then able to start work on the planning and preparation of these Welcome to Biggin Hill Signs to be erected at five main road entry points into Biggin Hill.

 

Tim Pickthall

Two of the signs in their early stages. They have been cut and planed and the details have been engraved. Next step is to paint them.

 

For the planed all-round backing boards and enhanced timber stability, air dried oak was used. Planed all-round green oak was used for the uprights with a below ground sealant when installed, giving them enhanced longevity. The backing board was mortised and doweled into the uprights.

 

Tim Pickthall

With the writing complete, the first of the colours go onto the RAF crest. This particular sign will end up being installed outside the Airport entrance.

 

From an RAF photocopy of the embroidered Biggin Hill Station crest, supplied by the Ministry of Defence, an image was computer generated into a vectorised file to enable engraving onto the backing board. This engraving was then filled by hand with eight separate colours of sign writing paint.

 

Tim Pickthall

The final crest in all its glory.. This sign will end up outside Charles Darwin school in Jail Lane.

 

Another option for depicting the RAF badge was to digitally print it, apply it to an aluminium plate and fit it to the backing board. This option was discounted because of concerns that the badge could be levered off by souvenir hunters.

The signs, once finished, were left in their natural finish because if treated, on-going maintenance would be required.

Tony Lewis

(Now where have I seen that sign before??)

 

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