London Street Signs

This book explores the artistry and history behind London's street signs, revealing their significance and the stories they tell about our past. London Street Signs is a captivating read.

In London Street Signs, graphic designer Alistair Fair delves into the fascinating stories and artistry behind the street signs of London. This exploration takes readers into the often-overlooked corners of our collective history, revealing the hidden treasures that indicate both our current location and our historical journey. The book showcases a remarkable public archive of lettering, highlighting a unique collection of street nameplates that spans back to the 17th century. Despite their everyday use, these signs often go unnoticed, yet they serve as visual and temporal anchors, connecting us to our past.

The collection features an array of street signs, from the simplest cast iron markers to the most ornate architectural plaques. Each sign tells a story, and Fair meticulously documents the most significant, beautiful, and curious examples found throughout the city. Readers will encounter iconic nameplates from the City of Westminster, the stunning tiled signs of Hampstead, and the revival nameplates of Lambeth, as well as the ghost signs from the now-defunct NE postal district. This curated journey through London's street signage reveals the artistry and history embedded in these everyday objects.

London Street Signs serves as a visual and typographical journey through the history of a great metropolis. It appeals not only to design enthusiasts but also to those with a keen interest in history, making it a striking visual record of our shared past.