I’ve always had a fascination with ghost signs, those wonderful old advertisements painted directly onto the brickwork of buildings, offering a glimpse into the shops, products and businesses of another age.
They’re a fantastic part of our architectural and commercial heritage, and I’m always on the lookout for them when exploring somewhere with my camera.
One of my favourites is this enormous Bile Beans advertisement in York, painted in bold black lettering against a glorious yellow background.
It’s a magnificent piece of historic advertising, and the typography alone makes it worth seeking out.
A colourful piece of York’s advertising history
Bile Beans were once marketed as a remedy for all sorts of ailments, particularly digestive complaints, and became a familiar name during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Their advertising was certainly memorable, with bold lettering and eye-catching slogans designed to grab the attention of passers-by.
Although Bile Beans have long since disappeared from chemists’ shelves, this enormous painted advertisement has become a much-loved part of York’s streetscape.
I particularly like the combination of the bright yellow background, black typography and weathered brickwork.
It’s a wonderful example of the craftsmanship that went into commercial signwriting before the arrival of modern printed advertising.
Keeping York’s ghost signs alive
What I particularly love about this sign is the care that goes into preserving it.
York Arts Forum has helped maintain the advertisement over the years, giving the lettering and distinctive yellow background a fresh coat of paint to keep it looking its best, and York Civic Trust has also helped keep the sign in tip-top condition.
How wonderful that people care enough to keep this piece of advertising history alive.
I’ve always been interested in the preservation of old signs and shopfronts. They tell us so much about the businesses, fashions and everyday lives of previous generations.
Bile Beans Yellow and The York Colour Palette
When I was creating The York Colour Palette with the guidance of York Museums Trust, Bile Beans Yellow was an obvious choice.
It’s one of six colours celebrating the city’s architecture, history and character, alongside Jorvik Tan, Shambles Brown, Mallard Blue, Constantine Bronze and Haunted Grey.
I love finding these connections between colour and place, particularly when they involve a piece of design history that might otherwise be overlooked.
If you’re visiting York, keep an eye out for its surviving ghost signs. They’re a fascinating part of the city’s heritage, and well worth photographing.
Explore The York Colour Palette
Discover our collection of York gifts, including colourful mugs, framed wall art, prints and accessories inspired by the city’s history and heritage.
