Jess did a foundation diploma in Fine Art at Stourbridge College of Art & Design before completing a BA in Illustration at Falmouth University. She then launched her own business from her studio in Bristol, doing a variety of signwriting and illustration commissions. These include house signs, business signs, shop fronts, narrowboats and restoration projects. In 2018 she worked for Gifford’s Circus, set-building, signwriting (working with QEST Scholar, Amy Goodwin), creating props, and painting wagons. She also regularly works for Carters Steam Fair, assisting with restoration and traditional painting of rides and equipment.
The main component of Jess’ scholarship is a course in reverse glass gilding with David A. Smith. She will learn to make traditional ‘Victorian’ style reverse glass signage, and be taught a variety of advanced decorative techniques, such as oil and water gilding, glue chipping and acid etching, to name a few. She will also do a short course in joinery tuition with master signmakers Ash and Sarah Bishop, and a course in wagon painting and scroll work.
