In our Grandpa Family editorials, we highlight creative, ambitious and exciting people who are close to us. This time, we meet the two inspiring creators who painted our iconic Wurst Wagon (which anyone who has attended a Grandpa event has probably noticed). Today, they’re a subway station away from our store on Södermalm, and in their beautiful studio they are working away with design, sign painting and restoration.

Hi Pontus and Henrik! Who are you?

We are Pontus Bergman and Henrik Lindquist, two typography nerds who work with our two passions: design and traditional sign painting.

What is Sthlm Signs?

Sthlm Signs is a design and sign-painting studio that offers services in design, sign painting, and restorations. We've always had a love for designing, painting, and building imaginary worlds, whilst approaching history from a design perspective. To put it simply, we help individuals and businesses stand out by using handcraft.

Tell us a bit about your background and how the idea for Sthlm Signs came about?

Pontus: In 2015, my first child was born, and during that time, my family travelled a lot around Asia, which led me to spend a lot of time observing my surroundings. I was fascinated by all the hand-painted typography and signs. When I searched for information on sign painting online, I realized that this was a profession and craft that had virtually disappeared in Sweden. I became completely consumed with the idea of mastering it and being able to work full-time with sign painting. I quickly realized that I needed a kindred spirit to share this journey with, and since Henrik and I already shared an art studio at the time, and Henrik was a dedicated designer and typographer, it was given that I’d to share my newfound passion with him.

Henrik: I was immediately sold on the idea.

Together, we started researching the craft from all angles, while travelling and attending “sign painting workshops” abroad. In parts of the world where the sign painting culture still thrives, we could have become apprentices, but instead, we had to do all the work ourselves. It was a lot of learning by doing, but it was a highly immersive and fun time. After a while, we started taking on assignments and became more confident with the materials and techniques. One day, we found ourselves between jobs, and the opportunity to focus on Sthlm Signs 100% became a reality.

Tell us about the space in which your business is located, how did it come about?

We’ve been running the business for eight years now, and what was once a dream has long been a reality - we are living and working as sign painters. Two years ago, we moved our studio from Åsögatan in Södermalm to the new Guldfabriken Studios in Årsta. This move is by far our biggest investment to date. Together with friends and like-minded creatives, we’ve created a place where we can realize our visions, and ideas, and have a lot of fun along the way. Besides Sthlm Signs, our space also includes a carpentry shop, a photo studio, a music studio, offices, and an event space for concerts and meetings.

What does a typical workday look like?

Most days start at the office, or in our studio. If we have work on-site, we pack materials and prepare before heading out. Often, we design in the office or paint and gild signs in our studio. Sometimes our colleagues at Guldfabriken, who build sets for films and commercials, are involved in our projects.

We love clothes - What do you wear when you paint?

Although we consider ourselves craftsmen, classic workwear isn’t for us, and style is just as important as functionality. Our aesthetic for everything related to Sthlm Signs extends from individual clothing choices and the look of our studio to the products we deliver. Everything is important to us. This isn’t a job where you change clothes at the end of the day - it’s a lifestyle. So, our clothing choices are crucial. However, there will be paint stains on all of our garments sooner or later - it kind of comes with our profession.

Coolest job so far? Or something you’re particularly proud of?

Over the years, we’ve finalised several projects we’re particularly proud of, ranging from entire offices to our ongoing work with Gröna Lund amusement park on Djurgården. Every project has its special charm, even the smaller "corner café" kind of assignments.

A dream project for Sthlm Signs?

Our dream project isn’t a specific assignment but rather a transformation of the cityscape - to reshape the city’s appearance into a more aesthetic and cultural experience. Our city has gone through many phases and styles, and unfortunately, this has generally led to a visual decline. A handcrafted approach to architecture and signage is a vital part of how the city looks, and we want to be part of an ongoing change in the right direction.

What role do you think craftsmanship plays in today’s society, and where are we headed?

We believe that we’re a great example of how people and business owners in the city have started to embrace new values in craftsmanship and aesthetics. In the beginning, a lot of our work involved educating people about our craft. Today, businesses understand the value of investing in handcraft and design and our business is built on the idea that our design and signs pay back a thousand times over! Genuine craftsmanship signals dedication and that you care about your business down to the last detail.

For those interested in craftsmanship, do you offer any workshops?

Many people reach out with questions about our work and how to learn sign painting. We often recommend watching the documentary “Sign Painters – The Movie”, which is available online. Participating in workshops is, however, the best way to get hands-on experience or develop your skills in brush-painted typography. We try to host one to two workshops a year. Keep an eye on our Instagram, @sthlm_signs.

What’s your relationship with Grandpa?

Besides being wonderful neighbours during our time in Södermalm, we also share the same approach to good aesthetics in everything from clothing to interior details and design. That’s why we collaborated on Grandpa’s Wurst Wagon in 2022 - a handmade hot dog van from start to finish, a perfect example of the kind of projects we’re especially passionate about!