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Melbourne’s glorious ’ghost signs’

Do you ever see an old faded sign that catches your eye? A new photographic book titled Melbourne Ghost Signs features those signs and other half-hidden logos across Melbourne, and the photographer is heading to Melton Library this week to talk about the stories behind them.

Originally from Illinois in the United States, Sean Reynolds has been nominated twice for an Emmy through his work on Ellen and TMZ and now works for the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

After moving to Melbourne, Reynolds became fascinated with faded signs and half-hidden logos in Melbourne through taking daily walks in Yarraville and Footscray during the COVID lockdowns.

He enjoyed seeing hand-painted letters, intricate glasswork, and names he’d never heard of before – such as Uncle Toby’s and Four’n Twenty, and the St Kilda Coffee Palace.

The book of captivating photos will provide a window into the history of the city – including the Gold Rush era and the Swinging Sixties.

Join Reynolds for a tour of his new photography book and hear the stories behind each of these ghostly signs found on Melbourne’s streets.

The free event will be hosted from 6.30–7.30pm on Thursday, May 29 at Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton.

Details: libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=131518

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