15 Jan 2012

Hemingway’s Ales (RIP)

Hemmingway Ales gable end ghostsign in Leeds
Photo: Thomas Ackroyd

This wonderful gable end sign for Hemingway’s Ales (Big Ben’s brand) ceased to exist as of 9th March 2011.  It was a truly remarkable ghostsign and featured as the backdrop for my interview with John Seargent in the piece broadcast on the One Show.  Incidentally I notice that it isn’t currently featured in the archive so it would be great if anyone with a pre-demolition photo could add it via the History of Advertising Trust.

This photo shows the location before and after the clearance operation.

Hemmingway Ales ghostsign before and after destruction
Photo: James W Bell…

And this one from behind shows the remains of the terrace as the bulldozer makes its way towards the sign.

Hemmingway Ales ghostsign being destroyed
Photo: Wiggysan…

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