West Wales Decorative and Fine Arts Lecture - “Inn Signia: The Artwork and Stories behind Peculiar Pub Names”

“Inn Signia: The Artwork and Stories behind Peculiar Pub Names”

Inns and public houses are a rich part of Britain’s heritage and their often idiosyncratic names and signs provide us with some fascinating stories and wonderful artwork.  Why are there so many pubs called ‘The Red Lion’, ‘The White Hart’ or 'The Crown'?  Who could fail to be intrigued by stories behind ‘The Drunken Duck’, 'The Blazing Donkey' or ‘The Cow and Snuffers’ or even ‘I am the Only Running Footman’ (the longest pub name in London).  In a light hearted talk John shows examples of some of the most distinctive signs and tells the story of inn signs and their origins..

Lecturer: John Ericson

John has recently retired from the University of Bath where he was Director of Studies in the School of Education. His wide ranging career in education and training has given him the opportunity to give lectures and presentations at conferences all over the world. He has developed highly effective communication skills based upon in in-depth understanding of how people learn and his ability to relate well to people of all ages and backgrounds makes him an impressive and confident speaker. He is now a freelance lecturer drawing upon his eclectic range of interests and enthusiasms. His highly professional digital presentations go well beyond the ordinary lecture with slides.

All his talks are very well illustrated, are highly informative and presented with humour. His highly professional digital presentations go well beyond the ordinary lecture with slides. As well as the talks he has developed from his professional background, John offers presentations on an eclectic range of topics that are derived from his diverse interests and enthusiasms such as antique corkscrews and the Shakers. All his talks are very well illustrated, are highly informative and presented with humour.