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Bristol’s ghost signs: a faded reminder of the past
A recently revealed ghost sign was painted over just days after being brought back on show for the first time in decades.
The handpainted sign for Fred Baker, on the side of its former shop on Cheltenham Road, included a bicycle which can still just be seen underneath its fresh coat of white paint.
It’s a tantalising thought that other original handpainted shop signs and adverts remain in situ below more modern additions.
is needed now More than ever
The original handpainted sign on the side of Fred Baker on Cheltenham Road – photo courtesy of Geoff Gardiner
The advert for Fred Baker has now been painted over – photo: Martin Booth
Across Bristol, there are ghost signs revealing slowly faded reminders of the past.
Over recent years, it has been known for businesses to reveal a ghost sign and rather than replace it, keep it in place. See Psychopomp on St Michael’s Hill and Fed on nearby Abbotsford Road.
The distillery in Kingsdown and cafe in Cotham continue to have the signs of a greengrocers and a newsagent (with a large advert for Woodbines cigarettes) above their premises.
Psychopomp on St Michael’s Hill does not appear to be a distillery at first glance – photo: Martin Booth
Fed on Abbotsford Road in Redland was once J Laver newsagent & confectioner – photo: Martin Booth
Elsewhere across the city, some ghost signs are hidden while others are more conspicuous.
Here are just a few spotted on our recent travels:
A ghost sign only just visible on Cannon Street in Bedminster
This ghost sign on Bath Buildings in Montpelier still remains partly hidden behind the newer sign for John Apperley & Co
Bishop & Co close to the entrance to Temple Meads
‘BH Plucknett, manufacturers of vinegar, fruit squash & cordials, gravy browning etc phone 63468’ – but this ghost sign on Brraunton Road in Bedminster replaced a previous sign for The Bed Workshop
Collards on Braunton Road can also be seen in tiles at nearby Friendly Records on North Street
Printers, stationers and what else used to be based here on Broad Street in the Old City?
Artist Residence hotel is due to open soon within this former boot factory on Cave Street in St Paul’s
Mildren pork butchers – nothing to do with children! – at the Exchange on Old Market Street
An embarrassment of ghost signs at the Exchange
Now part of the Commercial Rooms, this narrow former shop on Small Street still has EH Stear above the door
The sign for Fords can still just be made out at Otira restaurant on Chandos Road in Redland
A former governesses agency office on Tottenham Place in Clifton
This huge Hovis advert is on Downend Road in Ashley Down
The former premises of Jenner & Co, drapers and milliners, overlook Ashley Road in St Paul’s
These neighbouring ghost signs on Jamaica Street are now protected under perspex
Both signs are for Leavers, with the house on the right a former tobacconist
A splendid example of a ghost sign on Stapleton Road in Easton, when these premises sold mirrors and frames
Empty for many years, 97-99 Stokes Croft was once Palmers hardware and ironmongery
Waters & Co. wine merchants was revealed when the Junction became No. 51
Stokes Croft is a veritable treasure trove of ghost signs
The former Paxmans’ Dye Works now forms part of Montpelier High School
This sign for Plus One has recently been revealed behind the newer sign for CJ’s cafe on Colston Street
Confusingly, the Redland Fish Supply Co. is on the Clifton side of Whiteladies Road
This ghost sign above the Tesco Express on Cheltenham Road was previously hidden behind a sign for the booking office of the former Jester comedy club
The faded remains on what was likely once to have been a very colourful advert on the corner of Whiteladies Road and Worrall Road in Clifton
Former car showrooms near the bridge next to Lawrence Hill railway station
A reminder of Rawlings on Church Road in Lawrence Hill
The Earl Russell Inn overlooking Lawrence Hill is one of Bristol’s most prominent ghost signs
All photos: Martin Booth
Read more:
- Once you see these across Bristol, you will start seeing them everywhere
- Bristol’s three listed Victorian urinals
- There is a secret underground footpath in north Bristol
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