About
Who is em?
Em Williams is a British sign painter and artist, based in Tunbridge Wells, specialising in hand-painted lettering, reverse glass signs and gilding (which is a fancy word for applying gold leaf, which looks similarly fancy). She combines traditional methods of painting by hand and various gilding techniques (water, oil and gesso) with the highest quality materials, to produce beautiful handcrafted typographic signs. She has a big fringe, a bigger smile, and plans that are even bigger still.
Tradition with a twist
Em’s lettering style is simultaneously classic and cutting-edge, honouring a traditional craft with modern interpretations that embrace the sensitivity of handmade heirlooms. Whether it’s with text, single words, letters or numbers, immortalising treasured memories with precious materials is a privilege.
Drawing Inspiration from
18th century theatre posters where type alone was used in an informative manner. By the Victorian era, printers were experimenting with different fonts and type sizes to make them more engaging, and glass artists were producing elaborate signs that incorporated painted lettering with the addition of gold leaf. There is no other material that creates such a captivating, elegant finish and nor one that embodies a sense of luxury, beauty and value — it never fails to impress.
More than just paint
Em not only paints but also holds a Masters’ degree in Typeface Design and has over ten years of experience working commercially as a Brand, Print, Graphic and Typeface Designer (studioaves.com). The love for and use of type and typography has always been at the forefront of her work (as early as her school years, she cross-stitched letters, illustrated pages with felt-tip pen characters and copied lettering found on sweet wrappers) — only now it’s applied with paint, gold leaf, and precious materials like mother of pearl, making it even more of a joy.
It’s in her genes!
Painting signs also holds a significant sense of personal nostalgia for Em, having discovered some time into her ‘painting journey’ that her Great Grandfather, George Williams, was a sign-writer and coach-liner for the London General Omnibus Company in the early 1900s.
Work with em
Em is available for both private and commercial commissions across Kent, Sussex and London, and is always happy to travel further afield to write, paint and design. By combining her skillsets, she achieves high-quality results across a range of disciplines, whether it is a personalised glass sign, a sign painted fascia, house number or gilded window, working either with existing brands (logos) or together to create bespoke artwork. To discuss an idea or project in mind, please get in touch via the contact form — she can’t wait to hear from you.
