The old becomes new
Old signage painted onto old buildings. Faded over time but quietly continuing their advertising job often long after the company or the product is still existing let alone available.
In Timaru we have some beautiful examples of these reminders of time gone by, painted on the faces of some of our red brick warehouses or similarly rusticated sidings.
Many have been there so long you no longer notice their existence but if you look with purpose you can still see and enjoy them.
Just another of the layers to Timaru, adding depth to our townscapes and city views they feed into our personal narratives of place and community.
Over time they transcend their original purpose of advertising and promotion and become street art.
The aged patina and years of service earn them a place in our history which should be savoured, protected and appreciated for the interest and quiet beauty they add to our daily lives.
In this day and age where modern signage is often stuck to walls and made to be peeled away, removed and replaced with ease, it is gratifying to consider the craftsmanship of a hand-generated piece of typograph; to feel the nostalgia for a time before globalisation and brand awareness took over.
Historic signs are a valuable link to the town’s history, showcasing the town that was, reminding us of the steady march of progress and the changing face of commercial promotion and evolving identity. They can be found in the back alleys and forgotten areas, waiting to be found again.
A great example is Christchurch where much of the old signage was rediscovered as badly damaged buildings were demolished. It was distraction of sorts from the devastation that abounded.
I have always loved them, the bold but faded lettering, the evocative recollection of our past, the aged and warm brick walls they seem part of, they add such depth to our town. I see the rediscovery of these vintage paintings as another element in our burgeoning street art collection, the old becoming new as the new becomes old.
– Karen Rolleston