The Burds Are Back in Town, and It's Bristol

The 'Burds of the Brush' (see BLAG 03) movement was back for its third edition last month, and host with the most Tozer Signs is here to share what went down in Bristol town.

The Burds in action in Bristol.

Burds of the Brush in Bristol

Last month I hosted the third annual Burds of the Brush; a two-day event welcoming female, trans and non-binary signwriters from the world to my little corner of Bristol. With it being mid October, and me being Queen of Halloween, I had to add a little spooky spin, so the local community hall was adorned with bats and ghosts, as well as the usual pile of dibond panels, paints kindly sponsored by A.S. Handover, and easels crafted with the help of my partner Cobra Signs when I realised I had a little too much on my plate!*

Halloween-themed decoration and event signage.

There were over 50 attendees, ranging from those with 20 or 30 years' experience, to complete beginners interested in seeing what it’s all about, to those like me who have about a decade behind them and are still learning everyday.

Panel jamming.

Rachel and Hana of Bungo Sign Co. held the first edition of Burds of the Brush two years ago in Scotland (see BLAG 03), and passed on the feedback that participants would love a workshop or two. I managed to pull in a few experts to give demonstrations, expecting only a few to leave their easels to watch these. However, almost everyone paused their panels to see Hana Sunny Whaler leading a fantastic layout workshop, Veronika Jørgensen holding an oil gilding and burnishing demo, and Ellie Heywood showing her incredible calligraphy with the help of Pilot pens. (Pilot kindly gifted each attendee a beginners pack, and A.S. Handover sent over bespoke stamped brushes specially for the event.)

Surface gilding with Veronika Jørgensen.

Over the entire weekend, guests collaborated on a a mural for the community centre that hosted us, which was laid out by Hana Sunny Whaler. We also held an auction at the end with almost £3,000 raised for Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.

Hana Sunny Whaler and Miranda Ensink (Amsterdam Sign Painters) doubling up on the Windmill Hill Community Centre mural.

All in all it was an incredibly fun, wholesome weekend, allowing seasoned pros and some first timers to ease into the Letterheads spirit in a way they felt comfortable with.

And I’ve already received questions about when and where the 2025 edition of Burds will be held! Who wants to take it on?

Report: Tozer Signs / @tozersigns

Photography: Siddiqui Media / @siddiqui_media

Paints, Burds, and vibes.

The Scottish Burds unveiled the movement's new banner; definitely not no frills.

"We rise by lifting others."

Host with the most: Tozer Signs.

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