GHOST SIGNS

18 POSTS
A column by Sean Reynolds. If you’d like to read more stories about Melbourne’s past, follow me on Instagram @melbourne_ghostsigns.

Pietro Callea, the cobbler of Kingsville

A show repair sign holds the last secrets of a lost trade and the shop echoes with faint rhythm of hammer on sole.

Robur Tea: Yarraville 

Delve into the enchanting tale of Robur Tea, a symbol of nostalgia in Melbourne's tea culture.

TIDD BROS EXHAUST SERVICE – Spotswood

The ghost sign of an arrow points to a place that isn’t there. A muffler shop lost to time.

Ghost Signs – Hosking & Son in Newport

By Sean Reynolds Once upon a time, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods were dotted with family-run businesses. The corner grocer stocked local brands like McAlpin’s Flour and Robur...

Robur Tea ad in Kingsville

Robur Tea, born in Melbourne in 1891, was plastered on every brick wall, wooden fence, and corrugated iron shed in every corner of the city and its suburbs.