Dave Smith is widely respected in glass gilding ,sign-writing and designing circles for his high-quality, handcrafted reverse glass signs , decorative ornamental embossed mirrors, and Victorian design now the main focus of his work. But his story goes far beyond that. He began his career in 1984 after leaving Westlands School in Torquay at 16, starting a five-year apprenticeship with Gordon Farr and two traditional sign-writers. Under their guidance, David became a skilled draftsman, letter painter, gilder and pictorial artist.
In 1990, he launched his own sign business in Torquay, England covering all aspects of the sign trade, from vehicle graphics to 3D installations, always marked by distinctive design and craftsmanship. That same year, a visit to New Zealand led to an invitation to Wilmington, California, where he met Rick Glawson of the renowned Fine Gold Sign Company. A master gilder and generous teacher, Rick inspired Dave’s growing passion for ornate mirrors and reverse glass signs. Dave later sold his successful sign business to focus fully on gilding, painting, French Embossing, and brilliant cutting on glass, recreating the Victorian styles he so admires.
Working from Torquay, Devon, Dave continues to preserve and share these traditional skills through courses, tutorials, and mentoring. He remains grateful to the many craftsmen who guided him in those early days, especially Gordon Farr , Rick Glawson , Noel Weber , David Butler and many more of the Letterheads community around the world.
Dave is steadfastly supported by his wife Melissa and daughters Hannah, Lauren, and Millie, for whom he is deeply thankful. He was awarded an MBE in the 2019 honours list for services to reverse glass artistry and for sharing and keeping the craft alive through teaching thousands of people around the world.