Leather boots displayed on shelves and a wall display in a retail store, with illuminated sign reading 'R.M. Williams' and establishment date '1932' in Australia.

R. M. Williams

Premium Retail Brand | George Street, Edinburgh

Located on Edinburgh’s prestigious George Street, R.M. Williams represents heritage craftsmanship, quality materials, and timeless design. Our role in this project was to deliver a comprehensive signage package that respected the brand’s legacy while ensuring strong visual presence in a competitive retail environment.

This was a clean, effective, and carefully considered installation — combining traditional techniques with modern fabrication to create a cohesive and elevated finish.

A Complete Signage Package

This project included a variety of interior and exterior elements, each designed to work together seamlessly:

  • Temporary large-format window vinyls

  • Backlit 3D cut lettering

  • Flat cut lettering

  • Glass Gilded window signage

  • Large panel fascia sign with gold gilded lettering

Each element played a specific role in reinforcing the R.M. Williams brand while enhancing the Scottish flagship store.

Temporary Large-Format Window Vinyls

During key stages of the fit-out, large-scale window vinyls were installed to maintain brand presence and visual interest. These graphics ensured the storefront remained impactful and professional, even prior to full opening.

Careful alignment and precision installation were key to achieving a smooth, high-quality finish across the expansive glazing.

Backlit 3D Cut Lettering

Illuminated 3D lettering adds subtle depth and sophistication to the store. The backlit halo effect provides visibility during darker hours without overpowering the refined aesthetic.

This style of signage is particularly effective for premium retail environments — offering clarity, elegance, and understated impact.

Flat Cut Lettering

Complementing the illuminated elements, flat cut lettering was used where a more restrained approach was appropriate. Precision fabrication and clean installation ensured consistency across materials and finishes.

Flat cut letters are a timeless solution, delivering sharp branding without unnecessary visual noise.

Traditional Glass Gilding Window Signage

Gold leaf remains one of the most prestigious finishes in signwriting. For R.M. Williams, it was a natural choice.

Hand-applied gold leaf window signage brings a sense of heritage and craftsmanship that aligns perfectly with the brand’s identity. The reflective quality of the gold responds beautifully to natural light, creating an understated yet luxurious effect.

This traditional technique requires skill, patience, and attention to detail — something that sets specialist signmakers apart.

Large Gold Leaf Fascia Sign

The standout exterior feature is the large gold leaf fascia sign. Positioned prominently above the storefront, it anchors the building visually while complementing the surrounding architecture.

The contrast of gold against the façade creates a refined and confident presence on one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable retail streets. It is bold without being brash — perfectly in keeping with the R.M. Williams brand.

A Considered Finish for George Street

Projects on George Street demand sensitivity to both brand and location. This signage package was designed to sit comfortably within the historic streetscape while ensuring strong brand visibility.

By combining traditional glass gilding techniques with modern illuminated and fabricated lettering, we delivered a cohesive result that feels both timeless and contemporary.

At Solas Signs, we offer full design, manufacture, and installation services — from hand-painted and gilding signwriting to precision 3D lettering and large-format graphics. Whether you require a subtle heritage finish or a complete retail signage package, we tailor every element to suit your space and brand.

Project Elements

Back-lit 3D Lettering | Flat Metal Letting 3D | Hand painted Glass Gilding Signage | Large Main Fascia Sign | Temporary Window Graphics

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Project Contributions:

Man playing bagpipes outside R.M. Williams store on a city sidewalk.
Close-up view of a storefront sign that reads 'R. M. Williams' in gold leaf cursive lettering on a green background, with a glass window and part of the beige brick building visible.
Storefront of R.M. Williams with large glass windows, street signs indicating North Castle Street and George Street, and people in front including a person with a bicycle and another woman talking near a phone booth.
Street view of a retail store named R.M. Williams, with large front windows displaying clothing and a sign with the store name in neon lights. Outdoor seating and potted plants are visible in front of the store. A person is walking near the entrance,
Store display window showcasing men's accessories and clothing, including a belt, boots, a hat, a bag, and a walking stick. The sign indicates the store was established in 1932 in Australia.
Store window display with items such as a hat, a black bag, and shoes on gold-colored pedestals, with gold glass gilded text reading 'EST. 1932, AUSTRALIA' on the window.
Store display window with hand applied glass gilded lettering 'EST. 1932, AUSTRALIA' and product display behind, including a black duffel bag, a beige hat, and a black umbrella.
Interior view of a shoe store, RM Williams, with shelves displaying boots, a table with wallets and accessories, and customers shopping. Centred to the product display the back-lit sign mounted on the wall saying " R.M.Williams"
Store display with a 3D back-lit sign that reads 'R.M. Williams, Est. 1932, Australia' mounted to the wall with shoes on shelves underneath.
Backlit 3D wall sign with the words 'R.M.Williams' in cursive script and 'EST. 1932, Australia' in metal flat cut letters underneath.
Street corner with a storefront advertising R.M. Williams boots, featuring a large display of a black boot with a background of boot-making tools, a yellow streetlamp, a telephone booth, planters with small trees, and wet pavement.
Storefront advertisement for R.M. Williams showcasing a black leather boot, with a sign indicating the store's opening late January. The street sign reads George Street. There are two telephone booths in front of the store, one with a yellow sign lab