Tobias Newbigin is trained in traditional signwriting, glass embossing, brilliant cutting, gilding and silvering. He specialises in precise brushwork and historic lettering styles, skills that have taken him to the restoration of period buildings in the UK and internationally.
Tobias studied Fine Art Painting at Camberwell College of Arts, London, before apprenticing under Nick Garrett. He went on to study reverse glass gilding and ornamental glass with David A Smith MBE, and brilliant cutting with leading practitioner James Witchell. Over the past twelve years he has built his own studio practice, trained two apprentice signwriters, and continues to share the craft with others to see it pushed in new directions.
QEST funding will allow Tobias to undertake further training with James Witchell and David A Smith in hand bevelling and French embossing. In addition, he’ll learn about decorative glass techniques suitable for conservation-grade restoration with Ash Bishop at Brilliant Sign Co Ltd. This will support new bespoke commissions for heritage buildings, hospitality spaces and private collectors, and ensure these heritage craft skills are preserved.
