Ghostsigns of Notting Hill and Portobello – Marmalade, Markets and Movies

Ghostsigns are the remnants of old advertising for bygone brands and businesses that still cling to the walls above our busy streets, offering a window into the past to see how an area has changed throughout time.

If you look up above the antique emporiums and market stalls that line Portobello Road you'll see a diverse range of evocative old signage, hand-painted onto high walls. There are also other examples of old advertising here embedded within masonry or tiles, or forged in metal. The area also exhibits some intriguing signs created as modern pastiches, some designed to appeal to the fans of Paddington Bear and Hugh Grant.

Decipher the signs and hear about the businesses, people and products behind them – from milk, madeira and marmalade, to coal, cream and carnival novelties.

• Starts near Notting Hill Gate tube station and lasts approx two hours – the exact meeting point will be clearly described after purchase – more info in the FAQs section below
• Ends near Ladbroke Grove station

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Customer feedback: "What a great walk - such an interesting area" / "Fascinating and delightful" / "I have lived off Portobello Market all my life (over 60 years!) and although I knew some of the big signs I didn't know what they said, and I had never even noticed some of the little ones at all. I will surely be joining you again" / "Your knowledge is amazing and I love your jolly style" / "I am now going to be staring at brick walls looking for clues! LOL!!" / "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" / More feedback here

Other 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?

Important re meeting point – please do not rely on QR codes and maps sent via other apps as these often give incorrect information.

• The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase – Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section 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. This info will also be sent to you the day before the walk.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

• There is no minimum age
• No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
• All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

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 7 days 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?

• This walk is mostly on standard pavements, but there are a few alleys and cobbles here and there (minimal).

How can I contact the organiser?

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

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