Ghost Signs - Brick Wall Signs in America
W.M. Stage
I bought this book last year and was reading through it again today. Not only does it feature some great photos from around USA but it also has a superb level of depth of research into the production of signs, the people who painted them and the strategies employed by companies to ensure effectiveness and secure the best locations.
The author talks about how he had to time his photography of many shots so that the right level of sunlight was present at the right angle (e.g. in the morning around midsummer). He also uses lots of primary research with sign writers ("wall dogs") and those that actually paid for the signs themselves.
I would highly recommend this book, although the price seems to have gone up a lot since I got my copy. I've just ordered a copy of 'The Writing on the Wall' and will post my thoughts on this when it arrives. However, both this books are about USA, please let me know of any from UK, Europe or elsewhere.
Ghost Signs - Brick Wall Signs in America
W.M. Stage
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Great book. When travelling cross-country taking pictures of fading ads, I stayed with Wm Stage in his home in St Louis. He's a great guy and very generous with his resources. Stage pointed me to some signs he hadn't yet photographed.
ReplyDeletehttp://fadingad.com/033.html
and some he had
http://fadingad.com/034.html
It was on that 1999 trip that I also met Tod Swormstedt of the National Sign Museum. And now I know Sam! It is great to be part of this urban archaeological network.
Frank Jump
Some more useful references and a collection of Beer signs from USA at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.brewingmuseum.org/ghost_signs.htm