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'It even puts Apollo to all his strength of art to follow the flights, and to devine what's meant by every sign.' In 1988 a small number of people interested in Inn Signs came together and formed a group with the intention of gathering as much information as possible about inns, their names and their signs. In 1990 this group was formally constituted as The Inn Sign Society, and from its small beginnings has grown to a membership of about 400, which we hope will continue to grow as it becomes better known. Although inns and their signs have been with us for many centuries, in 1751 a law was passed stating that every pub must have an approved name registered At the sign of. Since that time many famous old inns with intriguing names have been recorded, but sadly, in recent years they have started to disappear for various reasons and the signs, many painted by famous artists, are gone forever. The object of the Society is to bring together those who hold a common interest in the Inn sign generally and to provide them with a platform for the interchange of information and also help with their research. The Society is building up an archive of written and photographic material (prints and slides) with the use of an Electronic Retrieval System, thus storing all the information for future generations. A full-colour quarterly Journal, of at least 32 A5 pages, is distributed to all members. It contains photographs of, and information about specific pub signs around the country, stories of pub names, articles on related topics, a member's forum, and news of the Society's activities. Click on the link "Journal Preview" for examples of the front cover and an extract of the section on pub names and signs. Click on the link "A Special Relationship" for an example of an article from the Journal - by Harry Walshaw. The Office Now recognised as the leading authority on the subject of inn signs, the Society is regularly consulted by local historians, artists, the breweries and the Media, who may need some clarification on the derivation of, or why a name has been illustrated in a particular way. Membership, which is world wide, is drawn from all walks of life. Many of our members were of the belief that they were alone in their interest until they became aware of the Society. Their interests vary from, the casual observer to the specialist in one particular type of sign. There are members who collect signs on royalty, and others who prefer military, railway, animal signs, etc. The Society has a formal Constitution and its affairs are conducted by a number of Officers and Committee members, all of whom are elected at the Annual General Meeting. There is an annual subscription of £15 Sterling (United Kingdom only), £20 Sterling (Outside the United Kingdom) paid at or to a British bank, due on the first day of September. Any person joining after that date will pay pro-rata. The full rate then becomes applicable on the first day of September thereafter. To become a member, please complete the application form here and post it, along with your initial subscription to, the Membership Secretary, Mrs Carol A Rose. Please inform Mrs Carol Rose of where you first heard of the Society. Should you require further information do not hesitate to contact the Secretary, Mr Alan Rose, contact details here. All text and pictures are copyright © 2007/8 to either Inn Sign Society Members or the Inn Sign Society. Any use without the express permission of the Inn Sign Society is prohibited.