Melbourne Ghost Signs

A beguiling photographic collection of the faded signs and half-hidden logos of Melbourne, revealing the historic tales - big and small - of this ever-changing city.

From the gold-rush years to the Swinging Sixties, from Robur Tea to Tarax soft drinks, this city can never settle. In a process of continual renewal, old buildings are incorporated into new, both uncovering and obscuring snippets of history. Ghost signs provide hints to our common heritage, ready to be picked up by the keen eye and quick shutter.

Sean Reynolds, a transplanted American, first became fascinated by these old signs while walking in Yarraville and Footscray with his young daughter during their daily lockdown outings. He loved the hand-painted letters, the intricate glasswork, and the old factories marketing brands he'd never heard of before: big names like Uncle Tobys and Four'n Twenty, but also smaller ones, no less important, like 'Miss Watson's Motor Garage' or the 'St Kilda Coffee Palace'.

Join him in a tour of fascinating photos - sometimes nostalgic, sometimes gaudy - and the stories behind them - variously delightful, heroic, and tragic. Find the cities behind the city you thought you knew, one ghost sign at a time.



'Ghosts of Melbourne's past are on display in a new book that pays tribute to the beloved signs and logos slowly fading from buildings across the city. The history of so many forgotten iconic brands and businesses, and the people behind them, is celebrated in cultural archaeologist Sean Reynolds' book.'
-Angus McIntyre, Herald Sun

'Sean Reynolds' stunning Melbourne Ghost Signs is a fascinating tribute to the often forgotten and hidden history of Melbourne ... Each photo is striking and is accompanied by an interesting story as to the history of the sign. A fantastic book to dip into over the Christmas break.'
-Jeff Popple, Canberra Daily

'The hardback is equal parts photography and history lesson, as the author does a deep dive on the property photographed, the business or product being advertised and often the business owners. Deploying a light sense of humour and an abundance of puns, Reynolds is able to conjure a sense of nostalgia as he delves into the history ... Melbourne Ghost Signs by Sean Reynolds is a terrific trip down memory lane and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Old Vintage Melbourne and Old Vintage Melbourne 1960 - 1990.'
-Carpe Librum