About

We are a traditional narrowboat painting and signwriting firm based at the historic Knighton Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal.

Since 2015, Lost Art Painters has specialised in authentic canal boat decoration, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern creativity.

Our aim isn’t to reinvent the wheel — it’s to preserve the timeless art of canal boat painting while helping you bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re restoring a historic narrowboat or adding a personal touch to your floating home, we work with you to turn a spark of inspiration into a beautifully hand- painted boat.

We take pride in traditional techniques, fine materials, and attention to detail — delivering a finish that exceeds expectations and celebrates the rich heritage of Britain’s waterways.

Our Story

Lost Art Painters is owned and run by Dan Holmes, who has an extensive background in art and design and holds a First-Class Honours Degree in Fine Art.

The company name came about when Dan taught himself how to paint beside the canal. With hours of trial, error, and experimentation — and few references to guide him — he uncovered what truly felt like a lost art: the traditional skill of coach painting narrowboats.

Before long, other boat owners began asking Dan to paint their vessels, and what started as a passion became a full-time craft. Today, the workshop at Knighton Wharf continues that same tradition — creating hand-painted narrowboats that blend heritage, design, and individuality.

We take great pride in restoring traditional narrowboats and historic working boats, respecting the methods and materials of the original builders.

From colour matching to period-correct lettering and designs, our aim is always to preserve authenticity while providing long-lasting protection for the years ahead.

Services

We offer a range of traditional narrowboat painting services, including:

Full and partial boat repaints

From full hull repaints to cabin tops, panels, and decorative detailing, we ensure a smooth, durable finish that reflects the pride you have in your boat.

Signwriting and decorative lettering

Using hand-painted techniques — never vinyl — we can create everything from classic name panels and scrollwork to modern styles that still respect the boat’s heritage.

Coach lines, scrollwork, and detailing

We hand-paint coach lines, scrolls, corners, and border designs, using fine brushes and steady craftsmanship to achieve sharp, clean lines that highlight your boat’s shape and structure.

Restoration and repainting of historic narrowboats

We take great pride in restoring traditional narrowboats and historic working boats, respecting the methods and materials of the original builders.

Custom designs and bespoke commissions

We love projects that mix heritage and creativity, producing something that’s uniquely yours while rooted in traditional canal painting values.

Gallery

Browse our gallery to see examples of our hand-painted narrowboats, decorative panels, and signwriting work.

Each piece is a celebration of traditional canal art and the individuality of every boat owner we work with.