Do you ever take any notice of the signage all around Hoylake, especially the typography?
I can’t say that I had much at all really until, by chance, I started to follow a blog that features typography of signage in New York (there’s a twitter account too). The photos of the various signs not only caught my eye but subsequently inspired me to start to notice the typography used in Hoylake signage. It’s not just shop signs but also old road name plates, building names, notices, posters, etc.
I’m slowly creating my own photo library (and I’ll publish a series of them at some point) of the local signs , both those that I like and the ones I don’t much care for. The signage above Vanilla Bar on Market Street for instance is one that I like (it’s pictured above). And while it probably isn’t ever going to be my favourite pub, the Hoylake Lights new(‘ish) sign above the double doors looks great in my opinion. Having started photographing them, some signs have since gone, Coda Maine for example, while other places have closed, Shakers cocktail bar for instance (no, I never went in either).
It might not be down-town Manhattan but there’s still much to admire right on your doorstep. Colours, fonts, names – it’s all there. Don’t forget all the businesses on the Carr Lane too.
I’ve not completely decided what my least favourite sign in Hoylake is, but right up there just asking to be picked is the wrought iron Welcome to Hoylake one opposite the petrol station …I really don’t like that one.
Anyone else capturing the beauty in the seemingly mundane in Hoylake? Have your say in the comments below.
When I used to produce newsletters for Hoylake RFC, I always featured sponsors using their typography. One distinct one that I remember and liked was Mansell. Their unusual font had very tall “l”s and a trailing “n”.
I agree with you John about that sign on the way into Hoylake. It’so awful and on the wrong side of the road for those driving into the town! I don’t suppose em any drivers even clock it.
How interesting that you have started this dialogue. There are so many styles around – some historic, some dignified and some (especially the plastic or Pvc ones) pretty unappealing. Good examples are the older cast iron street names which are so much more atmospheric than the more modern ones placed by the Council( complete with postcode), the old milestone on Birkenhead Road, and the endearing signs such as at Jessie’s Yard which surely deserves more acknowledgement. I’ll send you some photos to add to your collection..
I agree that Mansells is an attractive frontage and signage and of a standard which some other shop owners could follow. It would be good if the townsfolk could agree a range of colours and distinctive design styles for shop fronts to step things up a bit, Currently there is a mish-mash of garish, multi coloured plastic signs which detract from the look of the high street.
I also agree that the “Welcome to Hoylake” sign is not well placed but I don’t know its history or where it came from. I very much like the old Hoylake Urban District Council crest which has fallen by the wayside and encapsulates the town’s history so well.