Comments on: London Street Signs

By: Philip Marriage

Philip Marriage — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:56:52 +0000

These are simply fascinating – ordinary functional objects yet displaying so much variety and typographic interest to delight the eye. I can see no reason why the Victorian cast-iron street signs in and around Spitalfields needed to be replaced with today’s cheapo tinpot corporate substitutes – such a shame.

However the removal of the cast-iron ‘Artillery Lane E’ sign above the present-day Ottolenghi Restaurant has revealed a painted ghost sign saying ‘STREET’. If genuine, this is probably early Victorian or even Georgian as it is a long time since Artillery Lane was known as Artillery Street. Maybe one of the oldest ghost street signs still visible in London?

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:06:36 +0000

These are delightful, and I can quite see how one could become obsessed by looking for all the different styles of street sign in London.

I have always wondered why the street names of Hampstead are white lettering on a black ground, and whether there is a particular cache if you move into a street with that style of sign.

By: Judith Haxton

Judith Haxton — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:13:14 +0000

Love …Love… Love… !!!
Judy

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:17:54 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, these street signs, gathered by Alistair Hall, are another example of the many charms of London that have fascinated locals and travelers for ages.

I also learned a new word (always a good thing) CARTOUCHE – “In Egyptian hieroglyphics, an oval with a line at one end at right angles to the oval, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name.”

Touche!

By: David A

David A — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:07:14 +0000

Love the variety of typography still around! ‘PearTree Street 1725’ is particularly appealing, as is ‘Cottage Grove 1823’. It is surprising how well some of the enamel signs have stood up to years of weather, pollution and war.

By: Linda Granfield

Linda Granfield — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:32:10 +0000

Thank you, Mr. Hall, for this wonderful collection of “Street Art” that is invisible to so many who walk their neighbourhoods every day and don’t need to look up because they know where they are going!

That Pear Tree Street sign is indeed elegant–and the ‘T” looks like a tree!

I’ll look up at street signs more often, thanks to your direction.

By: Patricia Taylor

Patricia Taylor — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:00:05 +0000

That was all so interesting and informative. It reminded me of a street name I would love
to have – it is BURDER ROAD . I grew up there from 1946 till I left in 1959 when I got
married. My parents lived there until all the houses were pulled down and a council
estate was built on the site. However the BURDER ROAD sign can still be seen on the
entrance to the road. You have inspired me to go there again and at least take a photo.

By: Achim

Achim — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 09:29:17 +0000

A fine and interesting Report! Thanks!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Pamela Traves

Pamela Traves — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 07:53:00 +0000

Lovely Vintage Street Names.???????

By: Victoria Cooper

Victoria Cooper — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 07:38:06 +0000

Fascinating and as always reminding us to use our eyes a lot more.