Challenge

Gibside is a Georgian residence on a grand scale, originally built by coal baron George Bowes.

After centuries of decline, the National Trust restored the Gibside estate for people and nature.

This included the renovation of miles of trails and paths, which necessitated new signage for visitors. 

Solution

Shelley Signs provided a full design service including research, scripting, illustrations and framing. Each panel described a feature of the site through the eyes of a character at the location’s heyday.

Pictured is one of a series of heritage interpretation panels produced for the Orangery at the site.

Printed and encapsulated into glass reinforced plastic (GRP), the signs were mounted onto sandblasted cedar lecterns, with a range of natural history illustrations decorating the edge.

Outcome

The rejuvenated Gibside estate now provides tranquil walks and picnic spots for visitors.