MELTON & MOORABOOL
Home » News » Melbourne’s glorious ’ghost signs’

Melbourne’s glorious ’ghost signs’

Do you ever see an old faded sign that catches your eye? A new photographic book titled Melbourne Ghost Signs features those signs and other half-hidden logos across Melbourne, and the photographer is heading to Melton Library this week to talk about the stories behind them.

Originally from Illinois in the United States, Sean Reynolds has been nominated twice for an Emmy through his work on Ellen and TMZ and now works for the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

After moving to Melbourne, Reynolds became fascinated with faded signs and half-hidden logos in Melbourne through taking daily walks in Yarraville and Footscray during the COVID lockdowns.

He enjoyed seeing hand-painted letters, intricate glasswork, and names he’d never heard of before – such as Uncle Toby’s and Four’n Twenty, and the St Kilda Coffee Palace.

The book of captivating photos will provide a window into the history of the city – including the Gold Rush era and the Swinging Sixties.

Join Reynolds for a tour of his new photography book and hear the stories behind each of these ghostly signs found on Melbourne’s streets.

The free event will be hosted from 6.30–7.30pm on Thursday, May 29 at Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton.

Details: libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=131518

Digital Editions


  • Darley in solid position

    Darley in solid position

    Darley had a solid first day of its final round match with local rival Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Cricket Association. For a second straight…

More News

  • Community art promotes inclusion

    Community art promotes inclusion

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 536103 A vibrant collection of artwork by local residents, including people living with disability, seniors, those experiencing mental health challenges, and members of Culturally…

  • Shopping help for heart health

    Shopping help for heart health

    The Heart Foundation and the nutrition platform No Money No Time have launched a new partnership to help residents in the northern and western suburbs manage rising grocery costs while…

  • Major works to cause delays

    Major works to cause delays

    Major infrastructure projects will cause significant travel disruptions across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs throughout the autumn months as construction enters key phases on several road and rail removals. Commuters…

  • Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    The Victorian Government has announced an expansion of the Twinning Project to the Ripley Unit at Marngoneet Prison. This initiative, which focuses on young men aged 18 to 25, is…

  • New anti-gang movement

    New anti-gang movement

    The Victorian Government has announced a $1 million investment into a new anti-gang program aimed at preventing the recruitment of young people into criminal networks. Managed by the Violence Reduction…

  • Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Local sporting clubs across Victoria are encouraged to apply for a fresh round of funding grants launched by the state government. On Wednesday, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced that…

  • AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    Loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as major public health threats, prompting governments to explore technological solutions. Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’ marketed as a…

  • EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has lost patience with companies that fail to show how they are reducing packaging waste, warning they risk significant penalties if they don’t comply with…

  • WorkSafe manual handling workshops

    WorkSafe manual handling workshops

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 183103 Hazardous manual handling is the biggest cause of workplace injuries in Victoria, according to WorkSafe. The state’s work safety regulator said it has…

  • F1 festival headed to Melbourne

    F1 festival headed to Melbourne

    A free Formula 1 Melbourne Fan Festival is coming to Federation Square. Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the free festival will make it easier and cheaper…