Welcome to Words on Walls by Sam Roberts. Please sponsor my work below.
Tooting Reveal: Gowns and Grooves
This is a wonderful new London ghost sign and probably would have made the final edit for the book if it had been around at the time. It provoked a mini twitter ‘storm’ and I’ve written up the findings so far.
Late of Eloff Street
I was intrigued by this photo from Worthing, Sussex, which seems to be making something of (D.S. or O.S.) Fleming’s move there from South Africa. It’s on Montague Street and I’d love to have some further light shed on it.
What Lies Within…
Some people associate the ‘ghost’ in ghost signs with the idea of them saying “Boo!” when revealed by a building’s demolition, or from beneath a billboard (see Tooting story above). Sometimes that happens when you look further than normal at, or in, a building. This is what happened to MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson in Danville, Virginia, and she was well rewarded for her curiosity.
Deviant Coca-Cola Branding
When I saw the photo above, I was surprised by the headline lettering on the sign, accompanied below by the more familiar Spencerian script logotype. Another example was then shared from Ireland. I’m intrigued as to when and why this alternative was used given the historical strength of the Coca-Cola branding.
Farewell L. Manze, Walthamstow
In our book we discuss the ending of a street presence for the A. Cooke’s Pie & Mash shop. Now another has closed down on the other side of town. Eater London has written up the full story, and hopefully the Grade II status of the building will help to protect the gilded glass fascia sign.
Blast from the Past
The idea of faux ghost signs isn’t new, and early on in my research I was sent pictures of these Jack Daniel’s pieces by my uncle. This led to more coming my way later in 2008 and then again in 2009. The giveaway to their modernity was always the “drink responsibly” copy at the bottom!
Top of the Tweets
I trawl the ‘feed’ so that you don’t have to. You can follow and tag me here.
Legal eagles of the 1880s.
Now in residential use.
Striking from the 1970s.
All species catered for.
Time for a cuppa.