Katrin of Chic Sign Studio (previously Colourful Kat Signs), specialises in Traditional Signwriting, Reverse Glass Gilding, Decorative Art & Calligraphy.

Her unique & original signs & artworks are beautifully hand-crafted with meticulous attention to detail using traditional methods & techniques.

The age-old craft of ‘Reverse Glass Gilding’ involves applying real gold leaf to the back of glass using oil or water ‘size’. The gold leaf is then backed up with paint to preserve it with the design painted in reverse. Real shell inlays, glitter & oil-based enamels are also applied to complete the sign artworks.

Katrin has a unique sense of style and a strong design aesthetic, finding inspiration from pop culture, traditional fairground art, Victorian decorative and British canal art.

Partly self-taught, she has learned from talented crafts-people including traditional fairground signwriter Joby Carter and ornamental glass artist David A Smith.

Katrin is often out on site, lettering blackboards & menu boards, hand-painting signs on shop fronts or interiors, writing calligraphy or collaborating on murals. Other times she’s in her small studio working on projects with a pencil, pen and ink, paint brush or gold leaf in hand!

Katrin was interviewed by Wycombe Sound by Dane Cobain for The Art Show on Wycombe Sound, broadcast on Wednesday 10th January 2024. You can listen here.

She has exhibited at Wycombe Arts Centre, Longwick Art Show, Bucks Art Weeks open studios, and Thame Art Fair.

Katrin sells ready-made pieces through ‘Not on the High Street’ and on her website. She is also available for custom and bespoke commissions. Do contact her as she is always delighted to discuss any projects you have in mind for your home/business/event or special gift. It brings her great pleasure and pride to create an exquisite design made especially for you!

Katrin’s work will be displayed at Cottage Bakery – 28 Upper High Street, Thame from 15-19 October.