Sign Unique Pub Sign from White Swan Cambridge by Arthur John Hardy Metal

Unique Hand-Painted Metal Pub Sign – White Swan, Mill Road, Cambridge – by Arthur John Hardy dated 10/77

A unique and highly collectible painted metal pub sign for the White Swan Pub, Mill Road, Cambridge, created by the noted signwriter and artist (Arthur) John Hardy.

Last in a Long Line of Inn Sign artists

TWO oil paintings although not by a famous artist are treasured above all else in John Hardy's flat in Histon Road. They were painted in 1815 by Edward Hardy. Their value to John is that they were done by his great-great-grandfather who started a signwriting business in Magdalene Street Cambridge.

Every generation of the family has followed the same trade. John is the last in the line. Robert son of Edward was in business at 174a East Road. Then his son Arthur moved to premises at the comer of South Street at 9 East Road.

Demand

Arthur had two sons - Ronald Inverness Hardy and Maurice Sterndale Hardy: They carried on the business at No 9 Robert living at 13 East Road which was pulled down to make way for the entrance to the old Tech. John worked for a time with father Ronald in East Road but now operates from a spare room in his flat behind the Co-op in Histon Road. When he joined the business there was a lot of demand for vehicle lettering and pictorial signs for businesses. Now however most of his work is pictorial Inn signs – the Hardys bread-and-butter business for more than 150 years.

Challenge

“It’s very pleasant work" said John “There is always something new to tackle and my work is on show in most towns in Eastern England" Pubs in Cambridge which have Hardy signs include

· the Grapes in Histon Road

· the Portland Arms, Mitchams Corner,

· the Panton Arms, Panton Street

· the Prince Regent in Regent Street

· Castle in Castle Street.

John says the design is usually left entirely him and it is quite a challenge conjuring up something which is different and eye-catching.

He usually draws up two or three sketches for the brewery to make a final decision. The work is varied involving not only pictorial work but also lettering and into research into history and heraldry. Other work is also undertaken including public signs, shop facia boards, building works signs and lettering. But his latest commission holds out most promise for the future - he painted three miniatures of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and John Churchill first Duke of Marlborough which will be hung in Indiana University.

Beautifully executed in Hardy's distinctive style, the sign depicts the iconic White Swan public house, a long-established landmark on Cambridge's historic Mill Road. Combining folk art charm with traditional British pub heritage, this original sign is both an important piece of advertising history and a striking decorative work of art.

Arthur John Hardy's handcrafted pub signs are increasingly sought after for their individuality, craftsmanship, and connection to Britain's disappearing public house culture.

Artist: Arthur John Hardy

Subject: The White Swan, Mill Road, Cambridge

Medium: Hand-painted metal pub sign

Origin: United Kingdom

Condition: Very good vintage condition with attractive age-related patina consistent with outdoor display.

A unique, one-of-a-kind original.

Ideal for collectors of pub memorabilia, folk art, advertising antiques, or Cambridge historical ephemera, this exceptional sign would make a distinctive addition to any collection or interior.

H 82 cm

W 92 cm

D 2 cm

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