Meet the man behind some of Edinburgh’s iconic signs placed around the city

‘Signwriting is an invisible art, it’s only when you read about it or talk to a signwriter that you will start noticing it everywhere.’

Those are the words of Tom Hatch-Robertson, known as ‘Tatch’ to his friends, an artist gradually making his way around Edinburgh with his paintbrush and a steady hand.

The man is the talent behind some of the Capital’s most recognisable signs, from Howies and Maxies in Victoria Street, Mckenzie Leather in the Old Town, IJ Mellis in Morningside and downtown Leith’s Nauticus.

Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, the 34-year-old, originally from near Whitby in North Yorkshire, shares his story about how he became part of the city’s tapestry.

Tatch painting one of the windows at Howies in Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Picture: Thomas Payne who is also a signwriter and goes by the name Thomas Paints.

“It all actually started in Vietnam, oddly enough,” Tatch said, reminiscing about his travels.

There’s a reason why his business is called Journeyman Signs - he loves to be on the move.

“I was out there painting murals for bars when a friend showed me a video of a signwriter at work.

“I was completely mesmerised, and from that point onwards I was hooked on pursuing the skill.”

Tatch at work on the Maxies sign for the bistro in Victoria Street and examples of his work at IJ Mellis and Nauticus picture: Tatch Hatch Robertson

‘It gets its hooks into you Edinburgh’

Since moving back from his adventures in South East Asia about seven years ago, Tatch finally decided to settle in Leith.

"It gets its hooks into you, Edinburgh.

Tatch in his studio in Leith, Edinburgh

"Every time I leave for other jobs I always end up coming back.”

With more than 30 signs painted across the city to date, some solo masterpieces, others collaborations with local artists, Tatch continues to use Edinburgh as a canvas for his work.

"We are a small community, but between us few we are pretty prolific. We have painted most of the city.

"One of the best parts of the job is working with other signwriters because you always learn new things and good tips.

Robin Abbey, one of Tatch's biggest inspirations when he set out on his journey as a sign maker in Edinburgh picture: Tatch Hatch-Robertson

"I regularly work with Thomas Payne, who goes by Thomas Paints. Together we have painted Bross Bagels, Hearts FC and Great Grog among others.”

Signwriter legend Robin Abbey

It was in Edinburgh where Tatch met signwriter legend Robin Abbey, another one of the city’s unsung heroes who spent the best part of 20 years painting signs strung up above businesses lining the Capital’s streets.

“I emailed several signwriters in town when I first moved here and Robin was the only one who got back to me.

“From that point on he took me under his wing. His work is all over Edinburgh, from Maxies in Victoria Street to Carnival in Grassmarket to Vintiques in Leith.

“We worked closely together for years.”

Robin Abbey painting the Isle of Harris Distillery sign, a project he and Tatch worked on together picture: Tatch Hatch Robertson

Sadly Robin, who was in his 70s, died in August last year.

But his legacy lives on through masterpieces still found above shop windows, pub doors and on street corners.

Determined to preserve the works of the man who guided him into becoming the Edinburgh signwriter he is today, Tatch is documenting photos and sketches of Robin’s work before some of it could slip through the city’s cracks.

He even painted an exact replica of the late signwriter’s work for Maxies when it was due to be refurbished as a nod to Robin’s talents.

“He was an amazing man, a real character to his clients.

“He changed the appearance of Edinburgh for the better.”

Reminiscing about their work together, which included painting the Isle of Harris Distillery sign, Tatch spoke of fond memories starting out his signwriting journey in Edinburgh.

“One of my first jobs working with Robin involved attaching a heavy swinging sign above the old Field Grill House in Stockbridge while up spindly ladders. Health and safety would have had a field day.

“It was autumn, and getting dark, and I promised him we would finish painting it before we lost the light, but no, we found ourselves standing up these ladders in the pitch black, it was terrifying,” Tatch said, laughing at the memory of his overambitious plan.

Sign writing techniques

Tatch uses a wide range of techniques from gold work for personalised house numbers and honour boards in sports clubs and schools, to pinstripe signwriting and giant painted letters.

Some of his gold work has been commissioned by MPs Deidre Brock and Christine Jardine.

“If I was to avoid one kind of style it would be menu board writing,” he said.

"I am not good with small writing and spelling.

“Large scale is my thing because it’s more about painting shapes rather than writing words.”

The piece he’s most proud of?

Tatch’s favourite? He said it’s hard to choose, but Nauticus in Duke Street wins by a whisker.

“I enjoyed painting the Nauticus sign,” he said.

"I was commissioned to paint signs for the bar’s interior as well, so it felt more like completing a collection of works which is why it’s probably my favourite.

“Painting Maxies though was like bringing Robin’s work alive, revamping it, which of course had a personal touch for me.”

When asked why he chose Edinburgh for his studio he said, “It just feels like home.”

“Robin moved around a lot, like myself, but his friends and family said when he settled in Leith he lived his happiest life,” he added.

"I remember him saying how welcome he felt here, and I relate to that. There is something special about Edinburgh.

"I’ve travelled a lot but I have met some of the best people here hence why I always come back.”

Already getting into the Christmas spirit, the talented signwriter is currently working on a sleigh for the non-profit organisation Esk Valley Rotary in Dalkeith as it prepares for the festive season.

Next time you’re out for a wander through the Capital, look up every once in a while, and you might spot some of the Journeyman Sign’s works of art.

Tatch’s Edinburgh projects to look out for include Maxies, Nauticus, Bold and Gold, Brass Monkey, Typwronger Books, The Barbershop Edinburgh, Sink and Anchor, Watermelon Tattoo, Camera Bar, Hello Front Door, Insider, IJ Mellis in Morningside and Victoria Street, Howies in Victoria Street, Three Daggers, Old Town Tattoo, Cafe Grande, Heartship Tattoos Grow Urban, Coburg House and Mimis art place.