5 Jun 2024
W.E. Baxter: A Beautiful Palimpsest in Lewes, Sussex
I’ve long admired this palimpsest advertising the W.E. Baxter printing firm in Lewes, Sussex. I never did get a photo for the History of Advertising Trust Ghostsigns Archive but was kindly sent this one by David Quay.
The excellent Ghost Signs from Bygone Times account on Instagram has these historical notes:
“The business was founded by John Baxter in 1802 but truly established itself when his grandson William Edwin Baxter took over in the 1830s. The company traded here for at least 150 years before moving it’s printworks to Mitcham, London.”
W.E. Baxter Ltd
W.E. Baxter Ld.
Printers. Bookbinders. Stationers
Order Office
Door on Right
The lower layer is an earlier iteration of Baxter’s signage, and the front of the building also has some signage for the firm that has been repainted at some point.
Walwers Lane (corner of 34 High Street), Lewes, Sussex BN7 [Streetview]
The sign can still be seen on the side of 34 High St, Lewes, Sussex, facing Walwers Lane: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wpNH9XS2Dew8Sc7h9
Photo: David Quay / Type Tourist
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