Chris M. Jones:
‘Barlow’s Warwick was originally named Ethiopia in the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company fleet before being bought from them in 1945. With both shadows added to embellish the letters, the decorative effect becomes apparent and it all works together. Notice how the shadow of ‘Coal Contractors’ falls to the left whilst on the other lettering it falls to the right. This subtle jarring of the eyes draws the viewer’s attention to the lettering.