A sign-writer and educator, Robert specialises in hand crafted sign-making known as verre églomisé, a process of applying both a design and gold onto the rear face of glass, as well as hand painted sign-writing and large-scale typographic murals.
Robert fell in love with signwriting, typography and painting at a young age and after studying art and design went on to complete an MA in International Graphic Design Practice. He set up his business, ‘Signs by Umberto’ in 2017 and teaches and lectures on the art of glass sign-making and gilding both in the UK and internationally. He has also collaborated with Jamie Holman Studio, for a piece that will hang in the British Textile Biennial in 2021. Â
A QEST Scholarship will enable Robert to train with David A Smith in the array of processes and techniques associated with brilliant cutting. He will also learn the process of turning cut glass into a mirror using a chemical process. Robert believes that it is critical to learn these skills to ensure that the techniques are not lost and can be passed onto the next generation of sign makers and heritage restorers.
