Address: 8 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TJ (now Quantum)
Description
“Four Oaks” is written in a faded white block font on frosted glass, with “Limewashing Machines” below it.
The sign is on the second-floor window to the left of the building.
History
William Charles George Ludford, born in 1867, founded the Four Oaks Spraying Machine Co (FOSMC) in 1895.
The company was named ‘Four Oaks’ after the business was founded in Four Oaks, Birmingham.
1912
Among their products, limewashing machines were especially popular. Limewashing is a painting technique that uses a mixture of lime and water to create a white, protective coating on walls.
A limewashing machine applies this mixture evenly to large surfaces, making the task less laborious.
A Four Oaks spraying machine
There is no evidence that Four Oaks ever moved out of Birmingham. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, this building was owned by Kay and Backhouse Ltd, who were agricultural engineers.
It is assumed that the sign at this location advertised Four Oaks products sold by Kay and Backhouse to farmers working on the outskirts of York.
1979 – The original frosted glass ghost sign is visible on the top left
Special thanks go to Louisa Cook for telling us about this sign!
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