Welcome to Words on Walls by Sam Roberts. If you value my research and writing on ghost signs then please make a one-off or regular contribution to keep it going. And thank you to those that have already done so – you’re the best!
Ghostsigns Tours: Revised and Updated
I’ve revised and updated my Ghostsigns walks. These now feature a host of new material in addition to audio recordings and streetview links for every stop.
Stoke Newington and Bankside walks are paid, Clapham is free.
Peeling Back the Layers in Islington
Learning new things about familiar ghost signs was a joy of working on the book. I’ve written up how a missing piece in the puzzle of this Islington sign fell in to place.
Christmas Book Orders, and a Radio Appearance
UK book orders via Isola Press will arrive in time for Christmas if placed by Sunday 19 December. Shop at Isola Press or check other buying options here.
Also on Sunday (c.10am London) I’m talking with Robert Elms about the book. (Listen again for 30 days afterwards.)
Bikes Back in Bristol
In another story of repainting I reflect on this sign and a special connection it helped to establish for me. (More ghost sign ‘restorations’.)
Ferry Fragments in Fulham
I’m intrigued by these two stacked iterations of the word ‘Ferry’, and why the second was painted. The Frog Blog has the lowdown on the ferry service itself.
Ghosts of Fascism in Italy
Mussolini’s name appears on this and many other relics of fascism in Italy. There’s an entire book (in Italian) about them, I Muri Del Duce, and a chapter in Signs of Italy (also in Italian).
Ghost Signs in Winnipeg, Canada
This book from Winnipeg’s Matt Cohen promises to be an excellent addition to the literature. Order Ghost Signs: An Exchange District Walking Tour. (Review to follow in due course.)
Top of the Tweets
I trawl the ‘feed’ so that you don’t have to. You can follow and tag me here.
Paris time capsule.
‘Private Sidings’ in Warrington.
Fading fags in Gillingham.
Twinned with London’s Portogram.
See Fading Ads of New York City.
Thank you for reading Words on Walls by Sam Roberts. If you value my research and writing on ghost signs then please make a one-off or regular contribution to keep it going. And thank you to those that have already done so – you’re the best!