Charley's Chalk

Yesterday was the anniversary of the passing of Robin Abbey.
I never expected to make a best friend who would be 40 years my senior (to the day!)
The world seems like a dark place these days but when I remember Robin I see the best of it all. Someone who lived and loved hard. Signwriting, the sea, old books, playing music with his friends, rugby, growing and learning, having a wee dram - I’ll never forget his lovely smile as he enjoyed life.
I’m so lucky to have known such a wonderful person who really taught me the meaning of ‘always be kind to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise’
Much love to everyone he loved and everyone who loved him. and - particularly thinking of you guys today 😘

Happy 1st Birthday 🖤 This is one of the best projects I’ve ever had the pleasure of working on. A branding brief that involves drawing robots is more than any designer could wish for.

A massive congratulations and thank you to Dougal and his wonderful team for creating this excellent, inclusive space for people to play. It’s an honour to be involved in something so special.

Swipe for pics of ‘Big Rob’ and friends in all their glory over the last year.

The celebrate the 100 year anniversary of their house I was invited along to repaint the lovely name Whinmount. It’s always a heartache to remove the old signage as it must have been there for decades but a real honour to bring it back to life ➡️ to see the original

Bringing some bold colour and Mexican pizazz to Rose St 🇲🇽❤️‍🔥

The eagle eyed amongst you may have seen a few changes on my page recently. After 7 years, a lot of paint and meeting some fantastic people Charley’s Chalk is winding down. I’m not sure what’s coming next but I’m sure I’ll keep you posted. No longer available for big on site jobs but I still have some availability for smaller commissions, gift ideas, signage design etc. Thanks to everyone who’s helped me on my journey 🖤

“You missed a spot!” A familiar wind up I used to hear a lot when signwriting in public but in this instance I did 🙈 Fortunately I caught it before this wee gilded gift went to its new home 😅

Even on a dreich day genuine gold leaf will shine! A perfect example is this No. 10 I gilded recently. Although it looks silver, this is actually white gold and the mirror like finish is achieved using a traditional method known as reverse glass gilding. The process involves layers of leaf being applied using a ‘gilders tip’ to the reverse of the glass using a distilled water and gelatin size and then burnishing to get this brilliant effect.

Edinburgh may have a silly ol’ a-board ban but don’t forget I can still help create something fancy for your windows to advertise your wares. Extra points if you spot the double reflection in the mirror behind!

A massive congratulations to Jess on opening her new space and a big thank you for having me back to add new signage ✨ Handpainted in own gold paint

Keeping it sharp in Stockbridge

Things sometimes slip through the net like this simple piece of lettering for - a lovely place with amazing coffee near the top of Leith Walk

The swing sign up in pride of place thanks to pretty shot of it by them as well.

Got to love an action shot

I’ve done a couple of international logos but I think this maybe my first sign to leave UK shores. Best of luck to Brooke with her Amsterdam branch of the business!

The kind of shot you only get 4m up a scaffold tower 😬 also can we take a minute to appreciate that beautiful woodwork! .withnoname 🥰

Feel blessed to work on such a special project with Aleks for .withnoname. It’s such a great idea and creative space. Check it out in Broughton Place! Hand painted logo, window lettering and above door number mixed with and own signwriting paint

Last job of 2023. It was pretty chilly but nice to be back with The Pantry Family for the creation of their latest space in Stockbridge .edin. Beautiful spot full of tasty treats, highly recommend a visit!

Absolute joy to work on these windows for my favourite Edinburgh salon . Been going there for 7 years now and trust me they do not disappoint. Lettering designed and hand painted by yours truly 🧡

Soooo what else has been going on? Oh this big, ol’ bad boy at their new space in Glasgow 🤗 Thanks as always for having me in guys and special shout outs to for the assist (couldn’t have done it without you bud) and .co for the pic. Great job all round, can’t wait to visit as a customer!

✨GOLD✨ keep forgetting to post but I couldn’t resist with this one . The tree is surface gilded in 23.5ct genuine gold leaf from - burnished to reveal the texture of the wood underneath and the lettering was also hand painted in an especially mixed off white

One of the Penicuik shopfronts I worked on for the regeneration high street project. Really enjoyed this one as my favourite colour is blue and I like these two together 🩵💙

Well it’s a bit October-y innit? Extra points if you spot the mad scientist in the background

Sometimes you’ve just gotta paint a mighty big cheeky ticken…. Wait no… 😂😅 celebrating summer tiki takeover!

Really nice wee project to be involved with - the renaming and rebranding of . Totally here for those complimentary colours. Thanks for having me!

Oh so shiny ✨ all the metallics at a nice addition to her delightful new studio space in Porty

Challenging but satisfying the ma*****st inside me secretly loves a tricky surface. Wonderful new spot on Dundas Street - well worth a look see!