Ever since we moved over here, I've been fascinated by this sign. When I first saw it the shop was closed up, as it is now, but the sign was complete. Over the years letters have disappeared and the general condition has deteriorated.
It's that colour combination: that rich red, darkened a little around the edges over time, on that pale green; and those chunky Helvetica Bold Extended letters, that remind me of Chermayeff and Geismar's enormous number 9 at 9 West 57th Street, NYC; only a lot smaller and considerably less sexy. Considerably.
Unfortunately, one day those letters will be pulled down and thrown in a skip; I've half a mind to go down there with a step ladder and liberate them before they go for good.
I don't think I can do that, but there is a glimmer of hope: I was discussing the sign with one of our signmakers; telling him how cool I thought it was and what a shame it was that it's fate looked so gloomy when he asked me for, and noted down, the sign's exact location, checking with me that the building was deserted and giving me a wink. He didn't actually say what was precisely on his mind, he didn't need to, so who knows...
As ever, if anyone would like to contribute to FTF please feel free to send stuff here.
Get your hi-vis waistcoat on, nice and early when everyone is rushing to work. If anyone asks you've "been told to take them down before they fall down". I'll have the letter s please.
Posted by: Andrew Kingham | 13 July 2007 at 09:15 AM
Use the ladder. Or someone else will…
Posted by: Bureau L'Imprimante | 13 July 2007 at 09:27 AM
I love the chuunky red lettering! I'd advise you to get down there with a step ladder pronto! I often wonder where the missing letters above shop fronts go. Do they just fall into the street and smash? Are they carried off by drunk students? Perhaps there is someone, somewhere, setting up the largest kidnap letter in history?
Posted by: john | 13 July 2007 at 12:34 PM
I'm more fascinated with the letters that have gone away. What's wrong with me? :)
Posted by: Blake | 13 July 2007 at 01:25 PM
if i was anywhere near that sign i would be down there with a step ladder right away. well first to the store to get the ladder, and then to get the letters. just pick up a hardhat and a toolbelt while you're there and you'll look like you're supposed to have them.
if you somehow do obtain them i wouldn't mind taking a few off your hands....
Posted by: Josh M | 06 March 2008 at 05:18 AM