You may not have heard of Eric Pollard, but you are bound to have seen his work.

Known affectionately as Eric The Brush, the Sittingbourne artist is responsible for the traditional signwriting which adorns dozens of Shepherd Neame pubs around the county.

The 65-year-old studied lettering and design at Medway College of Art, and went on to become an illustrator and cartographer. He then used his artistic skills for a variety of roles, including creating mock antique signs and carvings and signwriting.

His career as a pub signwriter began 10 years ago, when his work on a private freehouse in Kent was seen by Julian Wilton of Gerald Wilton Design of Upper Hardres, near Canterbury.

He said: “Julian drove by and was really impressed by what I had done, so he went into the pub to ask for my contact details. I have been undertaking commissions for their clients ever since, including Shepherd Neame.”

When starting a new commission Eric visits the pub and, where possible, looks at old photos either provided by the landlord or brewery for inspiration.

When it comes to painting the design, he works completely freehand, his brush steadied only by a traditional maulstick as he paints directly on to the wood or brick.

It is a unique skill, and one which is in short supply, leading to huge demand for his services. Mr Pollard, of London Road, said: “When the decorating companies stopped offering apprenticeships, techniques such as signwriting, marbling and graining went by the way.

“Signwriting did go out of fashion in the 1980s and 1990s, but people got tired of the formulaic, corporate look, and decided they wanted something more individual. I don’t have any shortage of work.”

And the father-of-two, who has three grandsons, has no intention of putting his feet up anytime soon.

He said: “I don’t like being inside. If I’m not working, I’m out cycling or rambling or in the garden. I have always been very active. As long as people keep liking my work, I will keep doing it.”

Shepherd Neame property and services director George Barnes said: “Eric’s work is a huge asset to Shepherd Neame.

“His distinctive signwriting really enhances the appearance of our pubs and helps enforce our reputation.”