ANONYMOUS SIGNMAKER, EARLY 20TH CENTURY | Opticians Sign for Hills Shop

carved giltwood, glass and painted paper, together with a black and white photograph of the Hills shop front circa 1920

Probably acquired by Edward (Percy) Hills (1874-1939)
thence by descent
until sold June 2000

These are very charming and an evocative piece of 'working' folk art. Evidence of exposure to elements when it was displayed outside Hills shop are evidenced, including chips and losses to gilding to the frame, which has possibly been re-gilt/refreshed. There is craquleure and losses to painted eyes notably to the left eye. There is residual dirt and some dirt lodged between the painted surface and glass. Sotheby's did not remove the backing, which is original and untouched since these were made. So the 'eyes' have not be inspected out of the frame. Great fun and highly decorative. The photographic print which accompanies this work is in very good order and has been recently framed and glazed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The clock, watch and jewellery business of Hills was established at 74 Friars Street, Sudbury, Suffolk in 1831 by Benjamin Hills (1807-1859), the only surviving son of a Quaker yeoman. The business remained in the same family and in the same building until 2000 and, from the outset, had supplied ‘spectacles to suit all sights’. It is most likely that it was Benjamin’s grandson, Edward (Percy) Hills (1874-1939) who obtained the opticians trade sign in around 1920 and had it mounted on the front of his shop. Percy’s son, Harry Raymond (Ray) Hills (1903-1983) joined his father in partnership and was not only a qualified watchmaker and Fellow of the British Horological Institute but also a qualified optician and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. The sign remained on the building until 1938 after which it was kept inside.