The controversial Bile Beans advert on Monkgate, York. Photograph: Alamy
The controversial Bile Beans advert on Monkgate, York. Photograph: Alamy
An urban stroll can become a journey into the past for those alert to the faded beauty of hand-painted adverts on old buildings
MaureenCollins
Wed 10 Feb 2021 01.30 EST
Last modified on Wed 10 Feb 2021 09.33 EST
During a recent lockdown refurbishment of my local pub in Glasgow, it wasn’t the aesthetic changes to the Titwood Bar’s exterior that piqued people’s curiosity. Most eyes were drawn instead to the detail of a faded sign that began to appear on the wall above, eventually displaying “The Elbow Room” in handsome, intricate lettering.