Inn Signs (1956)

C/U angled shot of a painted pub sign depicting the nursery rhyme 'The Cat and the Fiddle'; C/U of another sign showing a white swan; low angle C/U of a painted sign of a ringing bell with the lettering 'The Bell Inn' beneath.



M/S of artist Michael Farrar-Bell painting at an easel in the garden of his studio in Hadenham, Oxfordshire; he is working on a sign for the 'Princess of Wales' pub; other signs are seen standing against the wall of his house. His paints and reference book are on a table next to him. C/Us of Michael painting a blue shadow on the medieval princess' head-dress, and looking up at the original picture he has been working from. He turns to the table and looks at the reference book which is open at a page showing medieval costume. C/U of a small row of reference books on heraldry and coats of arms.



M/S of a large painting of David Lloyd George in a cloak and suit above the words 'Pride of the Valley'; it is propped against a tree outside Michael's house. Two young men are seen moving a painted sign of 'The Hare'. C/U of David Lloyd George on the painted sign as commentator tells us this is to hang at Churt, Surrey. M/S of Michael's small daughter, Charlotte, polishing a large coat of arms sign that is leaning against the side of the house; other signs are either side. C/U of a painted head of a king. M/S and C/U as Michael's older daughter, Marilyn, paints varnish onto a sign for the 'Spotted Bull'.



Various shots of blacksmith Ralph Timms in nearby Thame as he works on the fixtures and decoration for the signs on an anvil; nice shot as he works outside with an old church in the background. C/Us of pub signs of a black horse; a coat of arms sign for the 'Abingdon Arms' and a sign with elaborate iron decoration for the 'Spread Eagle'.



Note: magazine article on file on 'The Men Who Paint The Inn Signs'.
FILM ID:41.26

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