A Fine, Large, Double-Sided English Painted and Relief-Moulded Pub Sign for the Nelson Inn

A striking and highly decorative double-sided hanging pub sign for the Nelson Inn, worked in relief to both faces with a three-quarter-length portrait of Vice-Admiral Horatio, Lord Nelson (1758–1805), Norfolk's most celebrated son.

Nelson is depicted in full dress uniform, his black bicorn hat edged in gilt braid, wearing a dark naval coat with gilt epaulettes and cuffs over a white waistcoat and breeches. His breast bears the stars of his orders of chivalry — including the Order of the Bath — together with his medals, rendered in raised and painted detail. He holds a telescope in his left hand, his right hand tucked characteristically into his coat. The portrait derives from the celebrated likenesses of Nelson by Lemuel Francis Abbott and Sir William Beechey, long the standard models for inn signs bearing his name.

The figure is set against a pale ground beneath a dark blue sky band, above a blue banner boldly sign-written NELSON INN in white block capitals. The whole is contained within its original ebonised moulded frame with white-lined inner slip, retaining the wrought iron hanging loops to the top rail.

Pub signs commemorating Nelson proliferated across England in the wake of Trafalgar. They remained among the most popular of all inn sign subjects — nowhere more so than in his native Norfolk. Genuine double-sided trade signs of this quality, complete in their frames with original hanging ironwork, are increasingly sought after as architectural and folk art pieces, hanging equally well in a hall, kitchen, study or bar.

Provenance: England. 20th Century. 

Condition: A good, honest example. Rust and oxidation to the iron hanging loops, consistent with weathered outdoor use. Scattered chips and paint losses to the frame and painted surfaces to both sides, commensurate with age and exposure. Structurally sound and ready to hang or display.

Dimensions: 57½ in high × 41¾ in wide (146 cm × 106 cm)