Advertising and Public Memory

This collection explores the cultural significance of ghost signs, examining their impact on memory and urban identity in Advertising and Public Memory.

This scholarly collection delves into the social and cultural dimensions surrounding the global fascination with 'ghost signs'—the faded remnants of advertising signage. The book, Advertising and Public Memory, brings together various contributors who explore the intricate relationships between these signs and the individuals who commissioned, created, and continue to view them today. Through their analyses, readers are invited to consider how these signs serve as markers of cultural memory and urban evolution.

The volume addresses a range of topics, including modernity, local history, and the role of place-making in shaping community identity. It also examines the impact of contemporary technologies, such as mobile and social media, which enable crowdsourced documentation and sharing of these digital artifacts. The resurgence of interest in 'retro' design and handmade aesthetics is another key theme, reflecting a broader cultural trend that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation.

Advertising and Public Memory is an international and interdisciplinary work, uniting perspectives from cultural studies, heritage advertising, social history, and commercial archaeology. By integrating academic research with practical insights from various fields, this collection provides a comprehensive understanding of how ghost signs contribute to our collective memory and the ongoing dialogue about urban spaces and identity.