Pub sign writer turns his hand to giant Remembrance wreaths

A specialist sign writer at a family-run Wiltshire brewery volunteered to give the giant Remembrance wreaths on display in central London a professional refresh.

Wadworth’s in-house expert Wayne Richings – who typically paints eye-catching traditional signs for the group’s 150 pubs – wanted to show his support for the ex-Forces community by working painstakingly on the centres of the 6ft wreaths at the firm’s Devizes HQ.

His impressive detailing is now on show at the Field of Remembrance, organised by The Poppy Factory in the grounds of Westminster Abbey, which is open for the public to view and pay their respects until Sunday 20 November.

Three types of large wreaths are on display, representing the sacrifice of all those who have given their lives in service in the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. They mark out different sections of the Abbey’s North Green, where thousands of individual tributes have been planted in memory of fallen comrades and loved ones.

Alongside its role in Remembrance, The Poppy Factory works year-round to help veterans with health conditions move into all kinds of employment across England and Wales – including in Wiltshire.

Jeff Short, The Poppy Factory’s Director of Production and the Estate, said: “I enjoyed a brilliant tour of the brewery and was particularly impressed by the signwriting, so I approached Wadworth to ask if they might volunteer their expertise. They were more than willing to help. Huge thanks to the Wayne for his outstanding efforts, which we are very proud to now have on display.”

Wadworth Sign Writer Wayne Richings said: “The wreaths look amazing and I was delighted to have the opportunity to work on them. We at Wadworth are very much in favour of supporting the ex-Forces community and remembering those who have lost their lives in service.”

The metal frames and poppy petal surrounds of the large wreaths were refurbished by The Poppy Factory’s production team, who work year-round to create the Remembrance wreaths that are laid in services across the UK and around the world.

Watch time lapse footage of Wayne working on one of the Army wreaths below.