Wagenbau-Anstalt, Dresden

Until the 1990s, many ghost signs could be seen along the streets of the Äussere Neustadt neighbourhood of Dresden, usually by or above the doorways of buildings erected during the second half of the 19th century or the early 20th century. Unfortunately many disappeared when, following the reunification of Germany, many buildings were either restored or demolished. One exception is the ghost sign for Theodor Richter, which still spans the entrance of his former carriage works. The building dates from 1895 and given the style of the sign I would assume Richter moved there immediately or soon afterwards. I haven't any information about this company though.

The books of the series Aus der Geschichte eines Dresdner Stadtteils, about the history, social and cultural life, and economy of the different districts of Dresden (16 volumes so far), include some pictures of ghost signs taken in the 1990s and early 2000s, many of which have now disappeared. Each volume is well-illustrated, and looking at the old black and white pictures, one rapidly realizes that parts of the town were absolutely covered with painted signs.

Wagenbau-Anstalt von Theodor Richter
[Theodor Richter's Carriage Works]


Location: Böhmische Straße, Dresden, Sachsen / Pictures taken in December 2009