Ghostsigns of Islington: bygone brands and businesses – a guided walk

Let’s make walking a pleasure*

Remnants of old advertising, for bygone brands and businesses, are still visible today, clinging to the walls above our busy streets. These old signs are now commonly referred to as 'ghostsigns' and most of the ones we'll look at on this walk will be the hand-painted variety, as per the example I've created for this header image which is an adaptation of one of the signs you'll see on the tour.

This hand-crafted and labour-intensive form of advertising might seem strange to us today, with our large-format printing, lightboxes and interactive screens, but 100 years ago hand-painted signs like this were commonplace; the buildings that bore them barely visible beneath a patchwork of signage for branded products, well-known shops and local tradesmen.

The walk lasts approx two hours, starting near Islington Town Hall and ending opposite Angel tube station. Along the route, you will see different types of old signage as you hear the fascinating and intriguing stories about the businesses, people or products behind the ads; from vets to vegans, rubber to metal and cars to chemists. I will also point out other types of non-painted 'ghostsigns' along the way.

*This apt phrase is on one of the signs along the route.

• Starts in Upper Street
• The exact meeting point will be supplied after purchase – please see the FAQs below
• Ends near Angel tube station
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Customer feedback: "I was so engrossed that it came as a surprise as we came to the end that two whole hours had passed" / "Your knowledge is amazing and I love your jolly style" / "I am now going to be staring at brick walls looking for clues! LOL!!" / "As someone who thought he knew the area well, I am embarrassed to admit I had never before noticed half the things you showed us!"/ "I love how you point out all the little quirks and make it so much more interesting than other academic-style guides. And you make it fun too. Thanks" / "...so engaging, thanks to your delivery style and obvious thirst for knowledge" / More feedback here

Other ghostsigns walks and talks available – please check my listings or see www.janeslondonwalks.com

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

• The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within an email sent to you immediately after your purchase.
• Please do not rely on info supplied within apps – QR codes and maps often give incorrect or misleading information.
• Scroll down to the Additional Information section at the bottom of your ticket where you will find a written description of the meeting point as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

• No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

• No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

• As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
• You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hrs before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
• Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

• Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
• However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

• The walk is mostly on standard pavements

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks

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