Ghostsigns

1001 London Ghost Signs, Mapped

The online map that accompanies the book, Ghost Signs: A London Story, now has over 1,000 pinned signs.

25 Sep 2024

Pawned for Good: The Partial Palimpsest in St James

The ghost sign for the J.A. & G.E. Smith pawnbrokers in east London has been painted over and now lost. RIP.

5 Sep 2024

The Mirrored Owl Cigars of San Francisco

Early twentieth century photos show an Owl Cigars sign in reverse on a huge San Francisco wall. But why was it painted like that?

26 Jul 2024

W.E. Baxter: A Beautiful Palimpsest in Lewes, Sussex

Layers of lettering in Lewes, advertising the W.E. Baxter printers, bookbinders, and stationers. Photo: David Quay.

5 Jun 2024

Milwaukee’s Ghost Signs Revealed in a New ‘Augmented History’ Tour

Augmented reality is used to facilitate a tour of Milwaukee’s HIstoric Third Ward ghost signs, presenting them as they once looked.

1 May 2024

J.C. Rogers’ Beautiful Fading Fascia in Penzance

A surviving fading fascia for the J.C. Rogers butchers is a real treat in a classic style. Photos: Jon Herbert.

5 Apr 2024