"POETIC POSTER DECAY"

Monday, January 28, 2013

ANTHROPOMORPHIC SIGNS


Anthropomorphic figures in advertising go way back. We are biologically programmed to respond to human representation in all things and advertisers know that people are more likely to purchase something that they can emotionally connect to. 



                               Auto repair shop R.I.

                                Drive-in, Conn.

                                Laundromat, Brooklyn

                                                   Rastaman Taco, Chelsea

                                Barber Shop, Bushwick

                                Papi is in Queens

                                 Kleen Machine Laundromat, Brooklyn

                                  all photos ©Ken Brown

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

"GHOST SIGNS" NYC.


"Ghost signs" are found in cities and towns around the country and are the last vestiges of the hand painted billboards that were a major form of advertising in an era that predated TV and vinyl.  Time and weather, but mostly real estate shifts have made them increasingly rare. Here are a few found around the city.

                                Send a bouquet from Greenpoint

                              OK, this one was found in Beloit Wi. at my nieces graduation.

                                Syrup and figs in Greenpoint

                                Brooklyn

                      Norge sign in Williamsburg where the clock stopped at 5:50 in (1950)?

                                Rooms to let with hot and cold water, near Times Square

                               This last wonderfully intact sign is in my neighborhood in
                                downtown Manhattan.  My guess, 1930's

                                 all photos ©Ken Brown

Monday, January 14, 2013

HAIR SIGNS OF NYC

            It's a new year and time for a new "do"....  Hair signs from around New York City.






                                   all photos ©Ken Brown

Monday, January 7, 2013

"ODD-ABILIA"

a few odd items to start off the New Year






all photos ©Ken Brown