We’ve all seen ghost signs, I’m sure… those faint traces on the side of old buildings of signs and advertisements, painted onto the bricks or plaster rather than posters being stuck up or metal and wooden notices physically attached to the wall.
I came across these two in a side street in the pretty old town of Frome (pronounced Froom). The first one is for a Mr Weaver and Son’s shop selling decorating supplies, paint, distemper, wall paper, varnishes. I have no idea when the Weavers were in business and haven’t enough information to trace them… maybe if I lived in Frome and could go to the local library I would have more success!
This second sign is more difficult to make out, except for the name John Halls. Like the Weavers I’ve not been able to find out any more about Mr Halls or his business.
If you want some really clear pictures of ghost signs, less ghostly than mine, have a look at Manchester historian, Andrew Simpson:
http://chorltonhistory.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/ghost-signs-tv-programme-and-blog-that.html
Lois Elsden 