It’s interesting how obsessions grow. A current obsession is for signs—hand-painted and homegrown. We’ve been holding onto our sign-free frontage: The Stove, now under new management, is becoming a growing, changing space in the town.
The face of our high streets and their signage has, of course, changed dramatically with the introduction of mass-produced, nationwide branding. The loss of independent retailers has also transformed the landscape and language of our streets.
Also appearing in our social media stream this week is the phenomenon of ‘ghost-signs‘: the remnants of old signs, shops, businesses, and brands—gone and almost forgotten within our urban landscapes. At first, we couldn’t identify too many in the Dumfries-scape, but upon closer inspection, we are starting to notice them cropping up around town.
This one on Buccleuch Street—double-layered signs? Does anyone have any idea what these signs may have been, or know of any other good sites around the town? If so, please get in touch!
Where are we going with this? That, of course, is all to be revealed. Guid Nychburris Day is fast approaching, and over the next week, the town will be gearing up for the annual festivities on the 20th of June.
We will be holding a hands-on, sign-themed event and workshop during our first Saturday Drop-In. Drop by between 12 noon and 4 pm on Guid Nychburris Day and get involved! It will be suitable for all ages and abilities, and participation is free.
