Name: Ghostsigns of Hoxton and Shoreditch - hand-painted history
Start: 2026-05-17T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-05-17T13:00:00+01:00
Location: Hoxton

Ghostsigns of Hoxton and Shoreditch - hand-painted history

A guided walk looking at this district's manufacturing past - upholstery and marquetry, varnishes and veneers, fabrics and furniture
About this Event

Ghostsigns are the remains of advertising for businesses or brands that are no longer available at that site, or simply faded remnants of old forms of street-facing promotion. There are plenty of examples in this area, many of which hint at a manufacturing past when this was predominately a furniture-making district.

We'll wander along main roads and into back alleys to look at a cross-section of more than 20 different signs that still cling to the fabric of buildings that today have been converted into bars, restaurants, comedy clubs and music venues.

For the most-part we'll look at hand-painted advertisements, skilfully applied directly onto brick walls, but we'll also visit enamel signs, ironmongery and various moulded forms, all of which clearly illustrate the diverse ways people promoted their wares before the inventions of self-adhesive lettering and back-lit plastic boxes.

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The tour starts near Hoxton station and finishes near Shoreditch High Street station, both on the Overground line.
The exact meeting point will be clearly described on your booking confirmation sent via email after purchase. See more info in the FAQs below

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Customer feedback: "Really interesting and your knowledge is amazing!" / "I loved the mix of history and typographic details" / "You have indeed infected me LOL. I am now going to be looking up and investigating alleyways near my home too!" / OMG how did I never see these before? I am hooked. And I will definitely be back for more. Keep up the good work." / "My husband and I have been on a few of your ghostsigns walking tours and we thoroughly enjoyed them" /"Your knowledge is amazing and I love your jolly style" / "Thanks for opening my eyes Jane" / "My favourite guide" / More feedback here

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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FAQs

Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

Important re meeting point info – please do not rely on any QR codes, postcodes and maps sent via apps as these often give incorrect information.
The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase...
Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a written description of where to find me, as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.
As a back-up, the same information will be provided within a reminder sent 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

There is no minimum age
No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?