Signs of retail past

Glasgow has a fantastic shopping centre, and for a moment I almost believed I could go shopping in the past when I saw these gorgeous ghost signs just off Sauchiehall Street. 

Wet wit

They're realistic about the weather at the Twice Brewed Inn on Hadrian's Wall. As soon as I saw the signs, I knew I'd enjoy it here. 

Quiet life

This discreet sign is tucked away in the orangery at Dunham Massey, a National Trust property in Cheshire. I like to imagine the doorway is a portal to a few magic moments without worry or stress, a haven to escape to when things get a bit too much. Just looking at it seems to slow time down.

For all Liverpool's Liver Birds

Some exciting new artwork has appeared this month in Liverpool's trendy Baltic Triangle: a fantastic pair of Liver Bird wings has become the favourite place for a photo.

Accompanied by the sign "For all Liverpool's Liver Birds", the mural was painted by artist Paul Curtis. But the beauty might be short lived, as the wall is due to be pulled down at any time. 

Shortly after the wings were painted, they were joined by this Banksy-style comment on art and justice. Apparently some of Banksy's works were removed controversially by a developer nearby and are in a private collection, rather than being displayed in a city street art gallery as originally proposed. 

So you'd better hurry to get your wings now, while they last.

Gathering of strangers

Here's a fabulous sign by artist Nathan Coley, at Manchester's wonderful Whitworth Art Gallery. Part of Art in the Park, the coloured lights draw the eye upwards, a statement in the sky. Since its renovation, the gallery has been recognised as one of the country's leading visitor attractions, and it's one of my favourite places. The gorgeous building and garden are worth a visit even if you don't love art.

Love this

Love this. Love Liverpool.

Do not feed the Superlambanana

I love this sign on the Superlambanana in Madison Square, Liverpool. You can find Superlambananas all over the city.

Originally a tiny four-inch model made by artist Taro Chiezo in 1998, four local artists developed a full size replica, which in turn was copied in 2008 when 125 smaller replicas were made.






They pop up all over the city, in different colours and patterns. There are three in Madison Square. A comment on genetic engineering and on Liverpool's history as a port (sheep and bananas were common cargo), above all they are fun.