In December we watch 'Love Actually' right before Christmas, and this time I noticed a 'Launderette' sign in lovely script in Liam Neeson's character's house in the hallway (I also saw it in another scene outside on the street).
I did a little research and found out these signs used to be around in the 1950's in London. The signs that I've hunted down online all seem to be made of mirrored finish stainless steel (and go for $400 - $4500 depending on the size, and where you order it from. Augh!).
I'm going to have to put my sign-making cap on (I worked for a sign company early on in my career, so I know a few tricks and have a few connections) and see if I can reproduce one of these, especially if you can get results like this:
9 comments:
Oh Launderette.. how I love you. I bought a cheapie one for the kitchen that says "enjoy" :)
And now that I can comment (thanks IT for correcting that situation) — FAB blog! I am über jealous of your mad CSS skills to knock off such a stylin' blog.
Hi Kerry, I have heard so much about you from Cynthia and I thought I would check out your blog. I like your sign too, but I have a little one that says "relax" over my toilet as I didn't know where else to hang it...
Hi Poot and Boogie! Your dolls are FAB, by the way! Such nice detail work you do with them!
'Relax' over the toilet is funny! (Although I wouldn't want some people to take it too literally!!) :)
Hi there, I've just found your blog after googling for a stainless steel launderette sign! I used to live in the UK and always admired them...if only I'd thought to take one with me (I'm now in the Southern Hemisphere). Can anyone advise on how to find one for a non-scary price? Where did the "relax" and "enjoy" ones originate from? Many thanks in advance!
Hi Spud -- those launderette signs are very tricky to find (and for a half-decent price they seem even more difficult). Depending on what you're willing to pay, there's a few options you could try:
- Going to a sign shop and having them recreate the sign in a thin metal (with foam backing - you can get the foam painted all sorts of colours too). This is most likely the least expensive option.
- Sourcing a metal shop where they use some sort of CNC (or water jet cutter) machine and have them cut stainless steel (which I would consider having clear powder-coated to minimize fingerprints).
- If you're familiar with Illustrator, you could trace the lettering yourself to submit to these places -- which could save money as well.
Other than that, I can only suggest keeping a hairy eye out on eBay and seeing if one pops up.
As for the 'relax' and 'enjoy' signs, they seem to be all over the bed and bath and smaller furniture stores here, and are either cut from wood and painted or thin metal.
Good luck! :)
Thanks so much Kerry, I really appreciate the information and the quick response.
As per one of your prior blogs, I also love the "Navy" chairs. I'd already visited the Emeco supplier in Australia and freaked out at the price. There's a few suppliers here in Oz that do a "factory direct to customer model" that keeps prices down. One example is https://www.mattblatt.com.au/. They specialize in modern classic-design replica furniture…I haven’t ordered anything yet so I’m not sure of the quality, but it’s definitely a cheaper priced option than the real thing (Navy replica chair for A$149). They ship across Australia…not sure about abroad.
Spud, I think those Navy chairs are on the list for the 'next' house, I'm thinking they would be great in smaller quantities (rather than needing, say, SIX, haha!). Thanks for the link!
Have you tried: http://www.launderettesigns.com or http://www.signsforhomes.co.uk both do the mirrored stainless steel finish
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