Hand-Painted Signage for Wine Monkey, Chippenham
Guiding visitors in style with bespoke lettering that adds personality to every corner of the space
Archway leading to Wine Monkey
Archway leading to The Kitchen
Archway leading to the Bottle Shop and toilets
Stylish, hand-painted signage for a local favourite
I was recently invited to create directional wall art for Wine Monkey, and it was such a fun and rewarding project! From guiding visitors to the coffee bar, wine bar, restaurant, bottle shop and toilets, the aim was to make the signage both practical and visually appealing.
Phase 1
The main signage was designed to guide visitors to the wine bar, coffee counter, bottle shop, and toilets. We explored several layout options and carefully selected colours that complemented the venue’s existing palette. The lettering was painted freehand, replicating the owner’s handwriting as closely as possible to give it a personal, bespoke touch.
Phase 2
Next, I created a further directional arrow that flowed seamlessly from the Phase 1 signage and led to The Kitchen, Wine Monkey’s deli and bistro adjoining the wine bar. Here I used vinyl lettering to apply The Kitchen’s logo directly to the wall, ensuring brand consistency while maintaining clarity and style.
Phase 3
For The Kitchen, I hand-painted each letter in a rich teal blue, chosen to harmonise with the art deco-inspired interior. The goal was to create a look that was timeless, elegant, and cohesive with the space.
Hand-painting letters onto textured plaster is no easy task! This phase involved hours up a ladder, careful brushwork, and lots of patience. No vinyl or stencils here, just brush, paint, and a steady hand! The result is a piece of signage that is both functional and visually striking, adding personality and style to the venue.
The initial mock-up that inspired the final artwork
Behind the Scenes
A couple of snippets to give you a peek behind the scenes! Being up a ladder was a little strange at first, but I quickly got used to it. There’s something satisfying about seeing a design come together from above, even if it takes a bit of balance and concentration!
Reflections
It was a pleasure to collaborate with the team at Wine Monkey, who were accommodating and supportive throughout. Hearing positive feedback from visitors and staff has made this project especially satisfying.
It’s great to see a local business that’s varied, conscientious, and high-quality, and I’m proud to have contributed a small piece of artistry to their space. I may be off the ladder for now, but I’m sure I’ll be back soon!
Thank you to Bryan and the Wine Monkey team for having me in. What a fun project!