Sold: Painting Sign

Large trade sign advertising a paint and wallpaper business / painted wood / c. 1880s

The versatile merchant behind this impressive hand-painted sign offered all manner of services to decorate, imitate, and disguise. Conventional Victorian aesthetic sensibilities demanded color and pattern on as many surfaces as possible, and this business advertised wallpaper hanging, whitewashing, faux wood graining, and glossy varnishing. Although unidentified, these painters brushed on the polychrome house exteriors, elaborate storefront facades, and trompe l’oeil interior finishes favored during the era. The firm’s trade sign demonstrated their skillful treatment of commercial applications, and with its inventive lettering and decorative flourishes, clearly was from the hand of a top notch sign painter. The sign is double sided, though the other half is remarkably different: the reverse side reads “Wallpaper” and given its older style lettering was probably painted thirty years or more before (c. 1850s) the “Painting” side was executed (c. 1880s) — which, upon closer examination, reveals itself as a repaint of an earlier sign underneath. The sign is a wonderful example of the sign painter’s art and a rare survivor.

Condition

Weathered antique condition with aged patina, minor paint loss and discoloration, some fragility to wood edges in areas due to exposure (including minor loss on underside edge), but the piece displays well. Heavy, but sturdy enough to hang or mount on a wall. Please see photos and inquire with questions.

Measurements

11 feet and 1 inch long

13.75 inches wide

1 inch deep

Please note: Due to the size and weight of this item, the shipping quote provided is an estimate only. Complimentary delivery in New England may be available depending on your location.

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