Pub Sign Study – The White Hart – Hollinwood – Manchester
@arthurchappell (44998)
Preston, England
June 22, 2016 6:49pm CST
The White Hart is a very common British pub name that fuses history and mythology together. Historically it represents the shield motif of Richard 2nd, King Of England.
Many signs depict the Hart wearing a silver or golden collar and it was seen as a magical transfer of power for a man of nobility to catch a White Hart alive and collar it. This was probably due to the Hart’s mythical pagan association with Herne The Hunter, a woodland deity who was often depicted as a giant man with antlers, able to transform himself into a White Hart.
The Hart in this sign is un-collared and I chose this over other White Hart signs in my collection for its sheer artistic beauty.
Arthur Chappell
11 people like this
11 responses
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Jun 16
That is an unusual sign. Like the reflection aspect.
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
23 Jun 16
I rather like it, just an odd head tilt going on though
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
23 Jun 16
@Jessicalynnt it seems to be tilting its head as though listening to identify some noise it has just heard nearby
2 people like this
@Macarrosel (7498)
• Philippines
23 Jun 16
That's cool. I think we don't have pub signs here in our place.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Jun 16
Yes, I agree, that is a beautiful sign.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (164550)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jun 16
How interesting! This kind of history (and mythology) is so interesting to me.
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
23 Jun 16
These things always sort of interested me. I never understood much about mythology. Still don't. But I find England has great awesome history and I was always intrigued by that. I am no scholar. Believe me. I always wanted to travel there. But I never got the chance. Maybe one day I will.
1 person likes this
