Ghost signs found at Lamp Works site on Great Hampton Street

During site preparation works at Codia Blackswan's Lamp Works on Great Hampton Street, old painted shop signs often referred to as "Ghost Signs" were found.

Wow, isn't uncovering hidden gems just wonderful!

Whilst the signs are slightly hard to decipher, they are believed to mark the former home of J.R. Stevens, a tailor, hosier, and general outfitters store which traded on Great Hampton Street around 100 years ago.

On the other side of the building, two further ghost signs were also revealed during the demolition. The ghost sign in view is the home of ‘Strawbridge Painter & Glazier’ at 30 Great Hampton Street, estimated to be at least a century old.

These are believed to showcase the former home of a business involved in ‘glass, china and all kinds of Earthenware’. Earthenware is glazed or unglazed nonvitreous pottery that is normally fired below 1,200 degrees celcius.

dndimg dndsrc="https://cordiablackswan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG20210803110506-scaled.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://cordiablackswan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG20210803110549-scaled.jpg" />dndimg dndsrc="https://cordiablackswan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG20210803110916-scaled.jpg" />

dndimg dndsrc="https://cordiablackswan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG20210803110500-scaled.jpg" />

The Lamp Works will be a residential led mixed-use scheme of 148 apartments, with the industrial heritage of the site reflected in the design of the building, its form and materials used.

A steel frame from one of the original buildings will be retained in memory of the original central factory space, referencing the sites key history in Jewellery Quarter.

Construction of the Lamp Works will begin in August 2021 with apartments ready for occupation in 2023.

Connect with us HERE.

Become part of our Great Hampton Street community HERE.