Canadian. 1930. Reverse painted on glass. This reverse-on-glass masterpiece was Mr. Appleby’s first trade sign, created in 1930. Back in the day, during the Golden Age of sign painting, the mark of an accomplished sign painter was his or her talent with lettering, scrolls, and banners. Reverse painting on glass was the greatest of all challenges and Appleby brings this art form to the next level with gold leaf accents. Not only does this sign showcase Mr. Appleby’s array of talents, but it exemplifies his love of music, and how the expression of musical symbols is very much a part of his signs. Although the “S” in the word “Sign” is unmistakably a treble clef, the bird from whose beak the treble clef emanates is partially hidden in a cluster of flowers and leaves (below the artist’s pallet). Even though Mr. Appleby’s personal musical aspirations were stifled, his willingness to fully express that part of himself was evident in signs such as this one.Please note the similarity between Mr. Appleby’s first trade sign and his last shop sign, a picture of which appears in the “Signs of the Times” article. Unsigned. 18.75" x 24" x 1". From the Daniel Spiegelman Collection, purchased from Appleby's Brother Morris in 2004.

Fractured in numerous areas. Retained in original gold leaf frame. Not examined outside of the frame.