Blast from the past as sign of 100-year-old Telford firm sees light of day again

G.W. Whitefoot, Ironmongers of Oakengates traded for more than 100 years, and also had a site in Dawley.

Western Signs and Printing has been a tenant of the shop in Oakengates for almost 20 years, and when they moved in, asked for permission to protect the sign.

Revealing it after moving into new premises, they shared a picture of the sign in the Facebook group Telford Memories, where it has sparked fond memories from people who remember the company.

Jules Hughes, from Western, said: "Up until four years ago, the company was run by the son, Jeff, who sadly died.

"When we moved in, Paul, my husband, spoke to Jeff and his father Neil, and asked whether it would be okay for us to leave the sign up and cover it with ours, because Paul knew that would be the best way to protect the sign and keep it for posterity.

"Earlier this month we moved to a new premises in Halesfield, we asked the new landlord if it would be alright for us to take the sign down.

"Recently the landlord has painted the building grey and when we took of the sign the yellow of the sign really stood out.

"For 20 years, no one has seen it, Paul took it down very gingerly."

Jules took to Facebook where she shared a picture of the sign and many people have posted to share their memories of the business and the Whitefoot family.

Mr Hughes has a number of local historic signs and says he would be keen to open a sign museum in the future.

As well as the Whitefoot sign, they have ones from Aga Rayburn and also an original sign from Oakengates station.

As well as keeping the signs safe, they also show them to clients to show how signage has changed and the new capabilities of the business.

For more information about Western, they are now based at 01952 618069 or visit them at Unit 67 on the Haybrook Industrial Estate in Halesfield.