Tags
bretagne, brittany, london, londres, photographie, photography, saintmalo, signage, signboards, signs, travel, voyages
When thinking of the history of signs, few of us contemplate its presence in the ancient world however; in reality they were a huge part of human communication.
Signs have been used since human beings started to express themselves by their drawings and paintings in caves.
History says that Egyptians, Romans or Greeks did use signs, in Ancient Rome, signboards were usually made from stone or terracotta. Several Romans examples are preciously kept, namely one of the first Roman tavern signs the “Bush”, from which is derived the proverb “Good wine needs no bush”.
These signs were not only used for communication but were also ritualistic and spiritual in nature symbolism. Some of them identified certain trades. It worth knowing that the first road sign system to indicate distances and directions was introduced by Romans.
Time passing by, with the increase in commerce and trade, signs were related with more creative and artistic forms and became more elaborate. Bright paint, carving, gilding became very fashionable.
Historically, the signs which attract the most attention are the Pub and Inn signs found in England, Europe and North America. In fact, round 1393, King Richard II passed an act stating that all alehouses must post a sign. Signboards became a way of advertising. Shop keepers had their names above the doors of their business, some of them illustrated their trade, for example: scissor and comb for the hairdresser …
New technology brought up new type of signs with the invention of gas lighting and electric bulbs and in 1929 the first neon sign was born. Neon tube were used in several shapes and came in many colors. Development went fast : plastics, man-made fibres, LED lighting, digital signage are now commonly used in all cities of the world.
Today, I have chosen to show you a bunch of signs I have been photographing.
Enjoy…
Let’s start by my favorite :
Louise—this was delightful; my kind of interest as well. Where was the antique sign located?? I’m always on the lookout for antique stores. Keep up the good work.
Diann Walleck
Diann, all signs are from France and England. The first photo was taken in London. Quite interesting to “explore” these antique shops! Are you still collecting glasses ? Thanks for your kind words.
Hi Louisie,
I love your signs. We have some in your native island which are famous also. I’ll try to get some of them to bring you back in your early days.
Look forward to read from ME as early s possible.
Gervais.
Thanks a lot Gervais. Looking forward to seeing these Mauritian signs…
Dear Louise.
I find antique signs are a memorable part of our lives as it indicates the time and era of life long gone. It is a treasure to see some of the brilliant and clever ways that people would identify their trade and services. Thank you for sharing these wonderful signs with me…
Carol Durocher
I feel the same Carol. Photography is a way to make time stop… Thank you for commenting, I do appreciate.
I love the big teapot sign! In Morocco they have very funny signs for dentists (though not very reassuring ones!).
I would for sure circumvent these dental cabinets… but my camera would love those signboards 😀
Hi Louise! Wonderful collection! I like the first one too – memories of childhood in a not too distant past in terms of time yet ages in terms of how things have changed! How many kids today even know what hopscotch is?:-) 😄
Sweet of you for dropping by my blog, Sharmaine… Hope you enjoyed your “visit”? xoxo