Ghost Signs

Ghost Signs

These faded advertisements painted directly onto walls were the precurors of today's billboards. Many have survived, gently fading and flaking away. Sheltered sites, the protection of being covered by their replacements, and occasionally restoration mean that a few are still quite vivid.

Sites were rented for a set period and when these expired a new client might have a new sign painted.

As they weather and fade, the multiple layers show through each other. Known as palimsets, these multiple signs are both intriguing and more difficult to interpret.