The ghost sign originally read "Reid’s Crystal Hall Crockery, China, Glassware, Wholesale and Retail." In the meantime a mural has been painted over the sign... with a catch. The artists decided to take the steps to protect the ghost sign. The team of artist used a clear spray paint, typically used as a top coat, to cover the sign. They covered it with the graffiti proof coating and painted over top of it, so in time, after the mural fades, you can literally just wash it off and the ghost sign will be visible. You can view the mural here. I'm linking to Lesley's Signs, Signs.
Why preserve them?
1. Every one of these signs was hand-painted. When you see how sharp and neat some of them are, it’s amazing what they did by hand and not by stencil.
2. They identify who the building was, who used it, and who was there.
3. It shows you the age of some of these buildings.
Amazing! And I love the name Octopus Garden! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they are maintained. It gives a sense of history.
ReplyDeleteI love these old ghosty signs and I'm glad steps were taken to ensure the preservation of this one!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm posting mostly at L & L Photography: http://www.landlfotos.com/blog.html
What a great idea to preserve these old signs! I wish they would do that all over the country.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that the ghost sign has been preserved.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a ghost sign to help preserve a piece of history. I'm also amazed this is hand lettered!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it is safe under the mural!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that signs like these can still be seen.
ReplyDeleteSuch respect for the ghost. Love the idea!
ReplyDeleteAmazing and impressive! That's putting some forethought into it. =)
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Signs, Signs,
~Lindy
I hope this idea catches on - saving old signs and covering murals with graffiti proof coatings.
ReplyDeleteI love ghost signs...and they're even more special when you think they're hand lettered.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive and it has to be preserved. ^_^
ReplyDeleteMary, MI
That is a fine, old ghost sign, but the mural painted over it is spectacular. And the subject is so appropriate.
ReplyDeleteSignage like this is hard to find these days. What your wrote about it was so informative. I learned something new tonight.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I need to remember the term "ghost sign"
ReplyDeleteThat's great to preserve history and craftsmanship. I love ghost signs and but have never gotten a good picture of one...it's one of my goals.
ReplyDeleteThat is remarkable. Glad that the muralists (and the property owners) are so sensitive to the history of the building.
ReplyDeleteNow that is both thoughtful and clever. Ghost signs always intrigue me.
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