News / ghost signs
Ghost sign unveiled and then painted over
A tantalising glimpse of Bristol from several generations ago was recently unveiled.
The handpainted sign for Hewett’s Stores had been hidden behind a billboard but was on show once again until it was promptly painted over ahead of the arrival of a new digital screen, never to be seen again.
“Well, this is tragic,” wrote Marc Leverton who managed to take a photograph of the ghost sign on the side of Cave on Gloucester Road.
is needed now More than ever
Hewett’s Stores was a grocers – photo: Marc Leverton
Leverton added: “I saw this being painted over a couple of weekends ago on a quiet Sunday morning.
“This ghost sign had been sat under a traditional billboard for decades. The landlord that owns the property was there to oversee the work, when I mentioned I was going to send these photos to the press he said ‘will I get any money for it?’.
“Personally, I think the value to the neighbourhood and the local traders would have been greater than whatever he is getting for having this board up.
“Nobody asked for a digital screen and a bit of local heritage has now been lost.”
The ghost sign has now been painted over with a digital screen on the wall – photo: Marc Leverton
A look at Google Street View confirms that the billboard has been on the side of the building – that has also been a newsagent and cafe – since at least 2008 and likely much longer.
Underneath the wording for Hewett’s Stores, the ghost sign says ‘for provisions’.
Writing on the Bristol & District Old Images & History Facebook group, Patrick Healey said: “This was a general grocery store.
“My family used to provide them with a shopping list, Hewetts would then fulfill the order, box it up, and I would collect it in the 1950s.”
Lin Bigwood added: “My mum shopped at Hewett’s every week throughout my childhood. I used to love to go with her as the staff were so friendly. I especially remember Mrs Manley who was always smiling. I can picture it all so clearly, a proper old fashioned grocery store.”
Main photo: Marc Leverton
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