Howard Rogers is an artist by trade.
Howard L. Rogers is a marine artist, illustrator, woodcarver, and cabinet-maker. He perfected his carving when he trained at Her Majesty’s Dockyard in Chatham, England, from 1960 to 1976. Marine artist Howard Rogers has 50 years of carving experience, which makes him one of the best carvers in the United States.
Early in his career, Howard won the City & Guilds of London medal for ship joinery in 1963. Two years later, he placed first again. He also completed an apprenticeship in joinery, and as a draftsman, a metalworker, and a wheelwright, he practiced a variety of skills. Finally, Howard came to the United States in 1970 to build custom yachts and workboats.
Annapolis welcomes marine artist Howard Rogers.
In 1977, Rogers moved to Annapolis, and in 1984 he founded the Raven Maritime Studio. Notably, he has always specialized in making hand-carved nameplates for luxury yachts. His shop also produced boards for local businesses and homes.
Howard operated The Raven Maritime Studio on Severn Ave. in Eastport from 1984 to 2012. Everything he makes is done by hand, except for milling and shaping the boards. Today, Rogers is one of the best sign carvers in the country. Truly a master at his craft, he brings decades of skill to every board.
- Howard Rogers Biography – Old Town Crier 2018
- American Society of Marine Artists
- Favorite sea songs from the age of sailing – Smithsonian
The long history of handmade signs
The practice of making signs dates back to prehistoric times. For example, early humans made cave paintings to record their history, and Egyptians engraved hieroglyphics on their monuments and temples. On the other side of the globe, Mayans made similar carvings in their temples and public places. Likewise, Greeks and Romans carved stone letters to communicate important information to citizens.
In Europe, most people could not read, so artists used eye-catching images instead of words on signs. As a result, traditional pub signs still show some of the characteristics of medieval Europe.
Sign makers in the United States began carving quarterboards as well. A ship’s quarterboard carried its name, and carved letters hold up well against the elements. Quarterboards from shipwrecks often hang in taverns and homes, and people around the world continue to collect them.
Today, traditional sign making remains an exciting and popular practice. Young people are often eager to work with their hands, and creating signs by hand is a satisfying experience. We hope that this trend continues.
See more signs by Marine Artist Howard Rogers
