Exeter Library – Signage Project
Devon County Council approached Signs Express (Exeter) as part of a major refurbishment of Exeter Library, a well-used public space in the city centre. The building had been closed for almost two years and was undergoing a complete modernisation. With new spaces, a new layout, and a stronger focus on accessibility and navigation, they needed high-quality internal and external signage that would make the new layout easy to use for all visitors — from young families to elderly readers.
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Project Overview
The key requirements were to:
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Provide clear, attractive wayfinding signage throughout the building
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Produce external signs in line with the updated branding
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Supply age-appropriate graphics for the children’s section
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Follow existing design guidelines while ensuring the signage fitted with the new layout and furniture
All signage had to be durable, easy to read, and safe to install in a busy public environment.
Solutions Provided
Working alongside Devon County Council and HMY Radford (designers), we delivered a complete signage package, including:
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Built-up external lettering for the building façade
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Vinyl wall graphics and plaques throughout
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Suspended circular help point signs
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Bright vinyl murals for the children’s area, featuring artwork by Exeter illustrator Richard Jones
We colour-coded the signage by section to make it easier for visitors to find their way around.
Role Details
Our Exeter team handled:
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Site survey and consultation
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Production of all internal and external signage
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Installation, including working at height and around new library fixtures
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Coordination with the design team and building contractors to align timelines and placements
Challenges Faced
Some signs had to be installed at height or in hard-to-access areas once new shelving and furniture were in place. We worked around this by planning carefully, using appropriate access equipment, and scheduling installs to avoid disruption. We also had to ensure the signage worked visually alongside colour-coded sections and new branding elements — which required close coordination with the design team.
Project Highlights
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The children’s area stands out as a bright, creative space, made even better with colourful animal-themed vinyls
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The hanging circular help point signs were a simple but effective addition that made navigation much easier
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The building now feels not just refreshed but easier to use and more inviting, especially for first-time visitors
Materials and Technologies Used
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Aluminium built-up lettering for exterior
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High-tack and low-tack vinyl (depending on wall finish)
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Acrylic plaques
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Suspension fittings and ceiling-mounted hardware
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Wide-format digital printing for all murals and graphics
Our Testimony
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“We were really proud to be involved in a project like this — right in the heart of the community. It’s a building many of us have used ourselves over the years, so seeing it come back to life with fresh signage was genuinely rewarding. Our team worked hard to make sure everything looked right and fitted perfectly.”
– Marion Baxter-Sibley, Director, Signs Express (Exeter)
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