Robert Holbery keeping signwriting alive

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved creating cards and writing letters. I’d experiment with different styles of writing, including calligraphy and cursive, and would apply these lettering skills to the cards I’d create for family and friends. So, it was an absolute pleasure to meet Robert Holbery, a talented and humble man who has been keeping the art and craft of signwriting alive for close to 60 years.

To this day, you’ll find Robbie, as he’s known in the trade, painting by hand in his signature copper plait style adorned with swirls and embellishments. His craftmanship can be seen advertising the latest specials for butchers, cafes, and takeaway shops across Melbourne’s local suburbs and across regional Victoria including Geelong and Daylesford. As I take photos of Robbie working in the street, people stop to take photos and to compliment his work. They ask questions and there’s even been several times that he’s asked for selfies! 

It’s no wonder. Hiss is a dying art. Handwritten signs and old-style lettering has been largely taken over by commercial sign writing and printing firms. And there aren’t many ‘younger people’ wanting to learn the craft and continue the trade, according to Robbie. 

As we gear up for another post-COVID-lockdown Christmas, Robbie is busy adorning the shop windows with his beautiful craftmanship. Let’s hope hehas many more years of enjoying and sharing his beautiful signwriting. It’s truly a gift.

Read the full story, here.