Beginning in 1899.
As depicted in our esteemed document shown here, on the 14th of June 1899, Charles Richard Wilson, then 14 years old, entered into an apprenticeship agreement in the presence of his father James Wilson. This marked the beginning of his engraving apprenticeship with Edward Horatio Thew in Durham, England. While we can only speculate on the era’s atmosphere, the Indenture detailed Charles’s wages for the ensuing 7 years. He started at “three and sixpence” per week in the first year, with incremental increases annually, culminating in “ten shillings” per week during the seventh and final year. This progression meant that Charles attained full qualification as an engraver in 1906.
Six years later, in 1912, at the age of 27, Charles and his wife Sarah immigrated from Newcastle, England, to Perth, Western Australia, where they commenced employment with a local engraving company.
Charles Richard Wilson (Founder of Wilsons Sign Solutions)
It is believed that in 1921, nine years after Charles and his wife Sarah arrived in Perth, Charles had an engraving machine shipped from England to launch his own engraving company, thus giving birth to Wilsons Sign Solutions. This was also the year their son Clarence (Clarrie) was born. Charles and Sarah had two daughters, Olive and Hazel, who were both older than Clarrie.
Charles initially named his company Wilson and Co., which became a thriving enterprise. The exact transition from ‘Wilson & Co’ to ‘Wilsons Engraving Works’ is uncertain, but old plaques bearing the former name have been observed. An old invoice from 1938 shows the company operating at 31 James St under the name Wilsons Engraving Works.
It is believed that shortly after 1938, the company relocated to 3 Queen’s Place, situated next to the old Metro Theatre. Charles Wilson was also a notable member of the Christian Brethren Assemblies. He founded a monthly publication known as ‘The Searcher,’ which was widely distributed throughout Western Australia.
Since 1921.
Charles Wilson was born on February 4th, 1885, and passed away in 1940 at the age of 55, succumbing to an illness believed to be cancer. Following Charles’ death, his son Clarrie assumed control of the business located at Queen’s Place.
During his tenure in the Air Force, Clarrie was stationed at times in Kalgoorlie, where he developed a lasting connection with Bronwen Fariss, the niece of his brother-in-law (Clarrie’s sister Hazel had married Bron’s Uncle Brin). After the war, Clarrie and Bronwen married, and Clarrie returned to the engraving business. He specialized in operating Taylor Hobson pantograph engraving machines, similar to the one pictured above.
In our possession are coins measuring 17mm in diameter (slightly smaller than a 5 cent piece), upon which Clarrie engraved the Lord’s Prayer. Today, we have replaced all pantograph machines with computer-controlled rotary and laser engraving machines. However, replicating the intricate detail achieved by Clarrie all those years ago would prove challenging.
Clarrie and Bron enjoyed a fulfilling life together, raising five children: four daughters – Roslyn, Yvonne, Shirley, and Josephine – and one son, Clayton. They initially lived in Tuart Hill until 1961, when they relocated to Dianella. In the same year, Clarrie purchased a property at 305 Fitzgerald St, Perth, and converted it to accommodate their business operations. By 1973, a factory was constructed on the site, gradually replacing the house, as depicted in the photo below where they continued operating amidst the construction.
Yvonne, Clarrie’s daughter, joined Wilsons Engraving Works in 1972 after returning from a stint in New Zealand, assuming secretarial responsibilities and relieving Bron of these duties. In 1979, she married Monty Simon and lived in Geelong for ten years, during which they had two daughters, Kasey and Pipa. Returning to Perth in 1989, Yvonne rejoined Wilsons Engraving Works, resuming her role as secretary, a position she holds to this day.
Meanwhile, Clarrie’s son Clayton graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1982 and began his career with Cliffs Robe River. In 1985, with Clarrie planning his retirement at the age of 64, he offered Clayton the opportunity to join Wilsons Engraving Works with the intention of eventually taking over the business. Clayton joined the company in October 1985, operating from the Fitzgerald Street location. Three years later, in May 1988, the company relocated to a larger factory at 30 Westchester Road, Malaga.
305 Fitzgerald St, West Perth
1961 – 1988
Queen Elizabeth II with a plaque and unveiling stand by Wilsons at the Clontarf Aboriginal College Opening Ceremony
Clayton Wilson joined the company in 1985
After moving to their new factory in Malaga, Clarrie and Bron decided to embark on a well-deserved trip around Australia, towing their caravan. During this time, Clayton took over the reins of Wilsons Engraving Works as the computer era revolutionized operations. The familiar pantograph machines were gradually replaced by computer-controlled engraving, routing, and vinyl cutting machines.
Clarrie sadly passed away at the age of 74 in January 1995 due to a sudden death caused by a heart-related issue exacerbated by his recent chemotherapy treatment. His unexpected passing deeply shocked those who knew him.
In August 2002, recognizing the evolving capabilities of their machinery and their expanded focus beyond engraving, the decision was made to change the company name from Wilsons Engraving Works to Wilsons Sign Solutions. This better reflected their transformation into a comprehensive sign manufacturing company.
Bronwen, the beloved matriarch of the Wilson family, passed away on March 25th, 2017, at the age of 95. She was deeply cherished by her five children, five in-laws, thirteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
30 Westchester Road, Malaga
1988 – 2013
The New Age
In 2018, Wilsons Signs initiated a new approach to their Honour Boards, which had become integral to their business, serving clubs, schools, and companies nationwide. They introduced Digital Honour Boards, offering a more efficient and cost-effective method to commemorate achievements.
By 2019, Wilsons installed their inaugural LED Scoreboard at a local sports club in WA, marking the beginning of numerous installations across the state. This established Wilsons as a frontrunner in the Scoreboard industry, continually advancing their technology as they evolve.
1/10 Profit Pass, Wangara
2013 – 2025
The Centenary Celebration of Wilsons Sign Solutions on the
14th of August 2021 at the Perth Town Hall
was a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy initiated by Charles and Sarah Wilson in 1921.
2 Nocturnal Lane, Neerabup
Where we are now
Today
Wilsons Sign Solutions offers a wide range of signage services including vinyl cutting, digital printing and laser engraving, establishing itself as a leader in providing Digital Honour Boards and LED Scoreboards to community sports clubs. With a century-long journey of growth and adaptation, the company remains committed to the principles of honesty and reliability, upheld by its dedicated team.