Strong's, Lymington

Half of the ghost sign painted across the façade of this cottage, one of pair built in the early 19th century, has disappeared, making it very difficult to identify Strong's activity.

Stong's Rom... ...s
Regarding the part of the ghost sign describing Strong's business, part of the third letter has faded but it looks like a 'M'. The following letter has completely disappeared but after that there seems to be the upper part of a 'E'. If that were the case, the only fitting word is 'rompers.' Was Strong a specialist in young children's clothing?

Location: Belmore Lane, Lymington, Hampshire / Picture taken in October 2009

The Britannia Commercial Hotel, Lymington

If you fancy a few days out by the sea or near the New Forest, why not try this B&B located opposite Lymington railway station? Opened in 1865, it still welcomes guests. Their website includes a late nineteenth or early twentieth century picture of the premises with a prominent sign above the main entrance.


Unfortunately half of the sign was obliterated when the chimney conduct was rebuilt.

Location: Mill Lane, Lymington, Hampshire / Pictures taken on: 17/10/2009

Rand & Son, Lymington

After weeks of interruption it is now time to bring this blog back to life with a picture taken on a lovely and warm day spent enjoying autumnal colours in the New Forest and a bit of fresh sea air in Lymington. While walking through the centre of the little town I spotted several painted signs including this large one for a local draper.
Rand & Son
General Drapers
Ladies & Children
Outfitters
Speciality
Dress
Materials
Traces of an earlier sign can still be spotted. ...
General
Draper
Warehouse
...y
Mantles
...
...es
Location: High Street, Lymington, Hampshire / Picture taken on: 17/10/2009

While visiting Dresden, Meissen and a few other places in Saxony over the Christmas period, and looking at their wonderful medieval, baroque and Art Nouveau (or rather Jugendstil) architecure, I came across around sixty ghost signs. In many cases only the name and nature of the business was written above the door and front windows, but a couple were a bit more elaborate. I shall post some at a later date...