Co-operative Society – Argyle St., Lancaster, 1898

The Lancaster & Skerton Equitable Industrial Co-operative Society, Argyle St., Lancaster. One of a number of varied signs on the frontage of these small Co-op stores in Lancaster. This example is set in relief.

Salisbury, UK

A small number of photos taken over a decade ago. I found these on a camera that I’d thought I’d lost, along with the photographs.

Worcester, UK

Worcester is lovely city, with some outstanding architecture and great examples of lettering. Hops seem to be an an abiding element of the city’s history and industry, and represented in several of the examples found.

Mayfair Cinema, Brick Lane, Lodon

A lovely Modernist sans serif on a the former Mayfair Cinema on Brick Lane, London. Location: Brick Lane, London, UK

Chetham’s Library, Manchester

  A stool photographed on a recent visit to the wonderful Chetham’s Library, Manchester : http://www.chethams.org.uk/ Location: Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB, UK.

Militia Barracks, Lancaster

The keystone to the front doorway of the Militia Barracks shows the date of construction, along with the Lancashire Rose motif and a crown. The letters are of an unusual design: a slight, spidery, script-like form that seems out of character with the robust scale of the building. The Barracks, located on South Road, was designed by Edmund Sharpe in 1854

Yates & Jackson – former Farmer’s Arms pub, Lancaster

A seldom noticed example of lettering from the city of Lancaster. This stained glass window in found in theback stairwell of a pub (formally the Farmer’s Arms and now called the Penny Street Bridge) on the corner of King Street and Aldcliffe Rd. The motif is of the firm, Yates and Jackson, who were one of

Spiritualist Church, Lancaster

Lancaster Spiritualist Church on St. Bulk Road – Britten Hall (named after Emma Hardinge Britten, 1823-99). In 2007-2008, it was ear-marked for demolition as part of the ‘Centros’ development of the area, but the plans were shelved as a result of a public enquiry into the proposals. The stone-cut lettering has very fine serifs. Location: Bulk Road, Lancaster,

Ghost cales, Edinburgh

I’ve passed this spot every a dozen times on every trip to Edinburgh and never spotted it. I never cease to love ghost lettering. I’m not entirely sure if this reds CALES, or if there are additional letters missing. Location: Victoria Street – off Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland.

B & A, Edinburgh

Found below the window of a shop – Bell’s Diner, on the north side of the city. I’m yet to discover what the B & A originally stood for. The style of lettering suggests early 1900s. Location: St. Stephen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland