Citizen scientists in Northamptonshire are recording historic painted shop and business signs, some that have survived for around 150 years, through Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record and our Ghosts of Industry project. The project is funded through the MOLA Impact Acceleration Account, made possible by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
Now known as ghost signs - because the local industries and products they advertised often no longer exist - these were a common form of advertising during the 1800s and 1900s. Many survive today, some in plain sight and some harder to spot, but are very fragile and easy to overlook as an archaeological resource.
These signs can give us a glimpse into what life and work in our towns and villages used to be like. They also help us study changing trends in products, local industries and businesses - a layer of history that is less often recorded.
However, as they are painted, ghost signs are easily damaged and can often be lost through decay or development. Given the temporary nature of these signs, it is now vital that they are recorded archaeologically and analysed to see what we can learn about an area’s past.
The Ghosts of Industry project has developed a recording methodology to glean as much data and information from surviving signs, to help archaeologists and historians analyse them in the future and create a detailed record of surviving examples.
Citizen scientist Mary, who has been out and about recording ghost signs with the project, says
‘I am enjoying recording the signs and research their history in things like the Kelly’s directories at the Northamptonshire Archives. They are such a good and valuable source of social history. As a local born in Northampton I am aware of several which have disappeared over the years and it is such a shame’.
Charlotte Walker, Senior HER Officer for Northampton HER, provides a great insight into the importance of ghost signs as an archaeological resource and how the local HER can help to preserve them:
‘Ghost signs are an ephemeral, but significant, element of our recent past and can be easily lost or destroyed. Since they usually occupy prominent locations, they can be appreciated by everyone; they can provide a direct link to our past and can stimulate conversations and memories as well as being enjoyed as part of our wider urban environment.
Historic Environment Records (HERs) are publicly accessible information databases about our historic environment, and they are an essential part of the planning process to help manage change. Recording heritage assets like ghost signs that are important to local communities on the Historic Environment Record not only helps to protect them but also helps the public find out more information about them.’
Painted signs recorded through the project will be added to the Northampton HER to create a definitive, permanent record. You can view recorded signs on the project website.
If you would like to record your own ghost signs in the Northamptonshire area you can also submit them here.
For guidance on recording, please click the link below to watch our webinar which outlines the process.
