Benjamin Baugh, founder of Salt’s Patent Enamel Works, secured the first patent for enamelling processes in England in 1859.
Inspired by the techniques of German artisans abroad, he produced decorative enamelled panels at his Birmingham firm, showcasing his new products at the 1860 London Trade Exhibition.
This led to a number of commissions for decorative panels that were displayed in churches, government buildings and railway terminals.
Over time, Baugh honed his techniques, expanding from decorative panels to advertising plates. The demand for this vibrant and resilient form of advertising soared, and he soon specialised in enamel signs.
Building on his success, he took his company public and opened a dedicated sign factory in 1889, kicking off a global phenomenon.
Though Baugh is often attributed with opening the first dedicated enamel sign factory, that honour likely belongs to the Chromographic Enamel Company, who began production three years earlier.