J. Foster Historic Signs - Bedminster Traditional Artisan Show Doylestown PA

Jackson Foster is a maker and painter of historic signs in the tradition of 18th & 19th century artisans. With a love of history and 40 years as a graphic design and branding consultant, he and his family left Chicago for Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 2005. After discovering a book at Colonial Williamsburg on early American trade and tavern and signs, he found in this craft the perfect way to combine his traditional art skills, design and lettering experience, interest in woodworking, and love of history.

His research of historic people and places serve as the rationale for the majority of his sign creations (he also accepts commissions). His extensive background in calligraphy and hand-lettering serve well as each sign is completely hand-lettered and painted; no stenciling or computer fonts are used, and each sign is based on 18th and 19th century sign making. He refers to existing early American painting styles and printers books as would the mostly self-taught sign painters of the day.

He uses a variety of reclaimed and aged wood–some boards date back to the 1700s– for each sign, along with period hardware including blacksmith-forged hanging straps, nails and hinges; all making for unique signs in which no two are alike. He continues to work at developing and refining his craft through research of early artisans, painting practices, and wood joinery techniques.