Have you ever noticed those faded, flaking hand-painted advertisements clinging to the sides of buildings and old shops? These ghost signs, echoes of Melbourne's vibrant past, are more than just relics; they're portals to untold stories. Once you start seeing them, their whispers of history become inescapable.
Join Sean Reynolds, the "Indiana Jones" of urban exploration and witty writer of Instagram account @melbourne_ghostsigns as he unveils the wild stories and shocking tales behind Coburg's vintage iconography, turning these enduring advertisements into narrators of community, crime and connection from then to now. As we delve into Coburg's bygone era, each sign reveals a unique story, from the everyday life of locals to tales that have shaped the very fabric of the suburb.
But tread carefully: Some tales unearthed by these ghost signs delve into darker themes, including death, abuse and other topics that may be unsettling. Sean navigates these stories with respect and care, ensuring a journey that's as enlightening as it is sensitive to the past.
Prepare to view Melbourne's streets through a whole new perspective, where every faded sign is a chapter of a story waiting to be told.
Registration essential
Presented by the Coburg Historical Society as part of the Australian Heritage Festival
Please contact Coburg Library a week prior to the event if you have any access requirements for you to fully participate. The Coburg Library meeting room has an inbuilt hearing loop and a personal radio frequency (RF) hearing assistance system is available upon request.
