The’ Welcome Sign’ project was part of a rich programme of events celebrating London’s first ‘Borough of Culture’ year that took place in Waltham Forest in 2019. The signs are the first thing anyone visiting the borough will see so we aimed to deliver something unique to Waltham Forest – something that reflects its industrial heritage and promotes it  current position as a centre for creative industries in London.

The signs are conceived as a module that can be adapted to each gateway location throughout the borough. The structure, a universal column supports an illuminated silhouette of a saw-tooth roof which is common feature of industrial sheds. The column incorporates both permanent and temporary features – street names, local walking and cycle maps, and a space to hang street banners. To date, signs have been installed across four locations, marking the main gateways into the borough from the west and the south.

The project was developed in close collaboration with the LBWF Highways team.