The Sign of the Times...

There is something about old signs and ads that add beauty to a room. 

Whether it is a road sign, an old blue and white
sign from a French street or even a foreign speed sign, they all conjure up images of traveling the many roads of the world: the many roads of life.  

Enamel streets signs from various places in France

Icy roads starts here

Hand painted signs that once hung over a store or business show us the care that people put into adding a touch of beauty and pride to their establishments.  Even a hand painted sign on a wooden board advertising a building or a room for rent, as mundane as it may seem, elicits a pleasant and nostalgic feeling in our hearts.  

Furnished apartment for rent, on the French Riviera close to Cannes

Cafê sign painted on metal 1940's Lyon, France

Double sided Pharmacy sign, Lyon 1900's

One of my joys while I travel through Europe hunting for treasures, 

is admiring some of the old signs that hang over
florist shops, bakeries, butcher shops and many other establishments.  

For me, these signs are much more
beautiful than the modern neon and screen signs that we now see everywhere which seem rude and offensive to my eyes. 

Bakery in Boulonge sur Mer, North Frace

Pezenas, Village in South France, more here

Insurance company sign

Will you send us a photo of your favorite sign?  Whether you own it or have seen it on a street or on the page of a book or magazine, I'd love to do a follow up of this entry and include some of those photos. 

Have a wonderful rest of the week.

Team Atelier