About David Meddings — The Maker Behind the Signs

The Workshop

The Old Gatehouse sits at Bunns Bank, Attleborough, in the heart of rural Norfolk — where buzzards circle overhead and deer pass through the yard. This is where every copper sign, plaque, and number is made. By hand. With no shortcuts.
There is no factory. There is no team of machinists. There is a workshop, a press, reclaimed copper sheet, and over four decades of craft experience. That is what goes into your sign.

The Story

David Meddings has been a designer and craftsman for over 40 years, working primarily in wood and metals. His first commercial venture — reelfurniture.com, launched in 2002 — produced eco furniture for schools: tree seats, benches from reclaimed building boards, and chairs. The Reel Rocker, one of those early designs, has since been widely imitated.

In 2010, the focus shifted to copper signage. Using reclaimed copper, aluminium, and brass alongside limed English oak, David began producing house signs, door plaques, apartment number systems, and commercial signage for cafes, restaurants, and offices. The client list now spans the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and beyond — including multi-storey apartment systems in both countries.

The Materials

Every material choice is deliberate. The copper is reclaimed — cleaned and processed by a local Norfolk recycler. The oak is sourced as virgin offcuts from a sawmill sitting within the very woodland it mills from. The resin cladding board used for 3D floating signage comes from virgin offcut material with a 50-year outdoor rating. Nothing is ordered from a catalogue just because it is easy.

A New Studio in Norwich

As of March 2026, there is a new retail studio at Unit 08, St Saviour's Yard, Norwich NR3 1GQ, open on Saturdays. Come and see examples in person, discuss a bespoke commission, or collect an order you have already placed.

Bespoke Work

If you have an idea that does not fit any of the collections, get in touch. With 40+ years as a designer and craftsman across furniture, signage, and metalwork, there is very little that cannot be made. Custom sizes, custom fonts, custom layouts — all considered.

Call: 01953 457247 or use the contact form.