Learn about us and what we do best.

 
 

We pride ourselves on the quality and range of our services while been dedicated to perfecting and promoting our client's image through innovation, customer care and of course craftsmanship which has evolved over 100 years of trading.

 
 

In 1909 Charles Harrison founded a one-man sign painting business in the city of York. It was after his visit to the USA that Charles saw the potential of the new silk screen printing process and as a result, his business became the first within the North East of England to develop this process.

The Company was incorporated as Harrisons Signs Ltd in 1928 as Alfred Hunter, a second-generation professional ticket writer from Brighton, joined Charles in the business. Harrisons Signs Ltd grew steadily over the years, taking on more apprentices and craftsmen and upon his retirement Charles sold his share of the business to Alfred Hunter, the father of our present Chairman.

From 1909 to the present day, the Company has enjoyed a steady growth and on several occasions Harrisons has been forced to relocate premises in order to take account of continued expansion.

In more recent history Harrisons has been very successful in gaining a market share of the Exhibition industry and today customers in both the Sign and Exhibition markets have benefited from a business that has grown through innovation, attention to detail, customer care and of course the craftsmanship which has evolved from over a century of trading.

 
 

Harrisons have been creating signage since 1909 and in that time have pretty much supplied every sign possible. Our experienced team can advise on the best solution to suit your signage requirement, may it be a simple off the shelf office door sign or a custom made architectural sign we have the versatility to supply them all.

We have the ability to manufacture in many different materials using either traditional methods or the latest technology such as wide format solvent printing or LED lighting for illuminated signs.

For larger projects such as corporate re-brands with multiple signs and locations we will project manage your job from start to finish ensuring an efficient and coordinated result. We operate in all areas of the UK so no matter the size or location our dedicated team are prepared to deliver customer satisfaction every time.

 
 

When it comes to attracting new business, how your company presents itself to the outside world can be just as important as the quality of the product or service that you offer.

With over 20 years experience as consumer show and trade exhibition designers, we know the importance of working closely with our customers from concept to completion. We ensure your exhibition stand fits your requirements perfectly, to help you fulfil your live marketing objectives effectively.

Our design team takes your objectives into account when planning your exhibition, creating a tailor made, bespoke exhibition stand to fit any space and budget.

We provide a comprehensive exhibition service for clients from a wide range of business sectors, including Nestlé, Bakers, Purina, Nestle Ice Cream, McCain Foods, Fox's Biscuits, Britannia Living, Azzuri, Sinks-Taps.com, Britax, Unison.

 
 

There's so much diversity to the display solutions that Harrisons has to offer it's difficult to describe the total extent.

Naturally our design and build service caters for every need, from the general day to day requirements to something very special and one of a kind.

Our staff are true craftsmen in every sense of the word and produce display items ranging from the traditional using materials such as mahogany, oak and brass, through to the more contemporary materials of today like glass, acrylic and steel.

Whether your display needs are temporary or permanent, fixed or portable, simple or complicated, Harrisons are on hand to manufacture to your requirements.

Our Portfolio page includes samples of the many different aspects of display we have undertaken in the past, including Branding, Shop-fitting work and Point of Purchase display material.

 
 

Harrisons can provide your business with the visual edge you need, with state-of-the-art superwide digital inkjet print.

Print directly to:

Direct to substrate printing is an efficient and environmentally friendly printing method, eliminating time-consuming, expensive and often wasteful finishing steps normally associated with wide format printing.

Applications of superwide digital print include:

 
 

Our History

 
1909
Charles Harrison started working in York as a one-man signwriting business working from Waterloo Place, off Coney Street.
1920's
Early 1920s Moved to rented property at No. 20 Castlegate.
1928
Company incorporated and Alfred H. Hunter became a minority shareholder. Staff numbers increased to include Ticket Writers, Poster Writers and Sign Writers.
1930's
Early 1930s Started experimenting with Silk Screen Printing.
1938
Jack A. Hunter joined the Company as an Apprentice Ticket Writer at the age of 14 (at that time one could not see Cliffords Tower from Castlegate because of the huge dark wall surrounding it, with tram lines running at its base) We also had a large Poster Room which was above the Castle Garage at the junction of Castlegate and Tower Street (now the Hilton Hotel) and there was a passageway running from 20 Castlegate right through to Clifford Street where we also had storage space for ladders, calico signs etc. This passageway opened out into a yard where there was the workshop of an electrician known as C.R.Manners. Even today (72 years later) one can still read the painted-out sign above this passage door)
1939
September saw the start of World War 2. Shortly thereafter most of the male staff were conscripted into the Armed Forces, leaving only the young apprentices and the older craftsmen. These men were also volunteers in services such as the Royal Observer Corps and the apprentices were volunteer messengers in the A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions). Trade materials such as cardboard, paper and timber became very scarce. Harrisons Signs Ltd was also an early member of the Master Sign Makers' Association which later became the British Sign & Graphics Association, in which we retained membership.
1940's
Early 1940s, because of reduced capacity and demand, we moved from 20 Castlegate and rented smaller premises know as St.Martin's School, Castlegate. (Single storey building at the rear of St. George's Cinema).
1945/6
The end of the war and some craftsmen returned – several had lost their lives during the conflict.
1950's
Early 1950s, Began manufacturing signs using acrylics (Perspex).
1967
Moved to larger rented property at 29/31 Castlegate. (formerly Whittakers Bakery and Perfect Peace Mattresses (owned by York City Council). Alfred H. Hunter semi-retired and Jack A. Hunter took over as M.D.
1975
Because of the impending Coppergate Centre development we were forced to move premises and, for the first time in the Company's history, we purchased freehold property at the top of Fetter Lane and adapted it for our use.
1980's
Purchased and moved to larger premises at Green Lane Industrial Estate.
2000
Accredited as an Investor in People Company.
2008
Bought first flatbed digital printer.
Family Business of the Year Winner.
2009
Celebration of 100 years trading.
 
 

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