Harlow Renaissance Ltd, as one of its final projects in rebranding the town commissioned Signs Express (Harlow) to supply and install a series of information signs around Harlow pointing the way to key events in Harlow’s history.
Working in conjunction with local architect Alastair Howe, design agency Redwire.uk, Harlow Renaissance and members of Harlow Council, the exact specification evolved resulting in 15 aluminium monolith signs manufactured and powder coated to the precise colour requirement, each sign digitally printed carrying differing images and information about the history of the area they mark – showing visitors that Harlow is more than just a New Town.
Among the town’s historic gems recognised is Potter Street, home to the pottery trade since Roman times Netteswellbury, a parish that can trace its origins back to 1060 and Mulberry Green, a coaching inn stop on the 19th century London to Norwich coach route. The signs also commemorate some of the town’s more recent claims to fame, including two benches at the corners of Hamstel and Hodings Roads used as a meeting place for an RAF officer turned Soviet spy and his Russian KGB handler. The Lawn - regarded as the first residential tower block in Britain - has its own sign, while The Stow - one of the country’s first neighbourhood shopping centres – is celebrated.
