My life in paint

Roy Meats, RMS, Coventry

"As an apprentice, I was lucky enough to be involved in refurbishments of Public Houses. This work involved restoration and refurbishment of many old architectural features, which included gilding, cleaning of paintings and unusual decorative wall and paint finishes. I was hooked!

Whilst at college, sign writing was part of the original painter and decorators job. I also learnt the skills required for marbling, graining and all the specialist finishes.

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I have decided to concentrate my skills on providing unique finishes to peoples' homes

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I set up on my own in 1983, in a completely different area - specialising in painting pictorial signs for public houses. Due to computerised graphics I had to diversify and started doing sign writing, and the odd home decorating. As the sign writing diminished, I became more involved in home decorating. Because my product knowledge included design, colour co-ordinating and unusual one off items, e.g. clocks, fire screens tables and murals, I was in demand. I am still asked to do the traditional sign writing including gilding.

I have decided to concentrate my skills on providing unique finishes to peoples' homes, although I still keep my hand in decorating public houses, restaurants and can also include schools, nurseries and play areas in my portfolio. I also do one off commission paintings.

Recently I have become involved with a design company 'Evolve Design and Interiors Ltd', where our combined skills provide many residential and commercial premises with bespoke designs.

Because of my ability to evolve, I feel I can provide the traditional and modern finishes that are required to give each customer something unique and personal to them."