SIGNS OF THE CITY

OUR STORY BELOW

About SIGNS OF THE CITY

AJ Wells & Sons Ltd, manufacturers of Signs Of The City, have been official suppliers of signage and cladding to the Rail industry and Transport for London for many years.

Made in Britain
These authentic Underground, Street and Rail signs are manufactured to exactly the same specification as the signs you see in and around London and at many railway stations. They are produced in vitreous enamel a traditional process that involves fusing glass particles to sheet metal by firing it at temperatures in excess of 800°C. The finish has a unique depth and vibrance and has been specified by rail operators and local authorities for many years. Colourfast and weather-proof with exceptional durability, enamel signs are ideal for indoor or outdoor and require very little maintenance. Click here to watch the manufacturing process.

The Company
AJ Wells & Sons Ltd was founded in 1972 and is a privately owned, family controlled, British company. Based on the Isle of Wight the factory comprises of a Vitreous Enamelling Plant and a precision metal workshop featuring CNC controlled Press Brakes, Robotic Welders and a state of the art Laser Profiler. The range of applications for enamel is vast and goes beyond just signage and cladding. A.J Wells & Sons Ltd have enamelled everything from baths and cookers to large scale art installations. For further details on the other projects we are involved in click here.

Our Story

1972

VLAZE History - 1972

The company is established by Alfred J Wells and two of his sons. Starting out as a small engineering business in Niton on the Isle of Wight the company specialised in tractor and machinery repairs.

1974

VLAZE History - 1974

A combination of the 70s oil crisis and the spread of Dutch Elm Disease in the UK led to the trio to produce a small woodburning stove as an alternative way to help people heat their homes.

1980

VLAZE History - 1980

1980 The Charnwood range of stoves continued to grow throughout the 70s and 80s and were sold across the UK. More family members joined and the company moved the factory to Newport and invested in machinery and equipment in order to bring the manufacturing under one roof

1990

VLAZE History - 1990

A vitreous enamel plant was installed enabling the stoves to be enamelled in-house. This major investment was the start of a new arm for the company: A.J Wells Vitreous Enamellers.

1992

VLAZE History - 1992

The company began to produce signage specified for its long lasting and durable finish. One of the first major contracts included London’s iconic Barbican Centre. Then began a relationship with TFL - producing vitreous enamel signs, diagrams and cladding for the iconic London Underground.

1999

VLAZE History - 1999

The company began to export stoves and signage across Europe and beyond including Japan and South Africa.

2001

VLAZE History - 2001

The Bodj fair trade flooring and hearth project was conceived to support a group of 5 families living on the banks of the Mekong river just outside Phnom Penh. These terracotta tiles are entirely handmade using clay dug from the banks of the river. Unlike standard kiln firing their technique imparts different colours and unique markings to each tile.

2005

VLAZE History - 2005

After the success of the Tile project, Ironware & Basketware projects were established resulting in the wonderful products available on this site.

2007

VLAZE History - 2007

A Recycleware project was esthablised in 2007. Seamstresses collect and recycle old rice sacks into log buckets. Where possible every part of the sack is used. Even the smallest offcuts are used for appliqué designs and patterns on the buckets.

2007

VLAZE History - 2007

The company manufactured much of the new DLR signage and London Overground in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.

2009

VLAZE History - 2009

The company was awarded the Queens Awards for Enterprise: International Trade.

2011

VLAZE History - 2011

As the official supplier to the London Underground, A.J Wells and Sons launched Signs Of The City in 2011 so the public could own their very own authentic Transport for London sign.

2011

VLAZE History - 2011

The company undertook further architectural cladding work including the manufacture and installation of two of Europe’s largest vitreous enamel art pieces for Aylesbury bus terminal and London’s Edgware Road Station.

2013

VLAZE History - 2013

The company feature as one of the faces of the Business is Great Britain campaign.

2014

VLAZE History - 2014

A.J Wells establish Vlaze: a new brand focusing on vitreous enamel for the living environment. Debuting enamel fireplace panels and heatshields for stove surrounds in collaboration with Charnwood.

2015

VLAZE History - 2015

Vlaze undertook various commissions for restaurants, hotels and residential projects with a range of designers and architects including Thomas Heatherwick, Tom Dixon and the Soho House Group.

2018

VLAZE History - 2018

Vlaze launch a range of kitchen and bathroom splashbacks and wall coverings including designer ranges in collaboration with Mini Moderns, Layla Faye, Voyage and TFL.

2020

VLAZE History - 2020

The Vlaze Adapt range of indoor/outdoor modular kitchens is launched across the globe in the UK, USA and Italy.

Today

VLAZE History - Today

Today A.J Wells continue to design and make stoves, signage, cladding and other products exporting world wide . We remain a privately owned British manufacturer and design house run by the second and third generation family members and employing around 180 people.

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