‘Ghost signs’ is the name given to old adverts that were once painted onto the side of buildings which are still evident today or inscriptions of old businesses.
Here’s a round up of some of Sunderland’s Ghost Signs that offer a window into the past, from old cigarette adverts to court buildings.
13. Edward Thompson Printers, Sheepfolds Industrial Estate
A more modern sign than some of the others featured here, but certainly one that honours decades of Sunderland history. The old Edward Thompson printers in Sheepfolds operated for more than 150 years until its closure in 2022. It was once the world’s biggest manufacturer of bingo cards.
14. Phoenix, back of Foyle Street
An old sign that still looms large, we're not sure of the history of this Phoenix sign at the back of Foyle Street so let us know if you do.
15. Technical College, Galen Buildings
Dating back to the early 1900s, the Galen Buildings are a fine example of red brick architecture from the turn of the last century when they were used as a technical college. In more recent decades, the buildings have housed bars and nightclubs.
16. County Court, John Street
The former County Court in John Street, which is a fine example of Italianate architecture, has stood proud since 1876 dealing with the area's non-criminal civil and family legal matters. It hadn't been used by the Ministry of Justice since 2018 and, after sympathetic restoration, is now boutique student apartments known as Botanical View Court.