Signs through the times: spotting the traders of the past

Faded hand-painted adverts and signs, so-called ghost signs, have often featured on the blog. And among the interesting subsets which regularly appear on the Invisible Bordeaux Instagram account are the faded painted signs above old stores and workshops.

Here are a few examples of the Instagrammed signs that have therefore made it through the times. All are located in central Bordeaux and, other than a couple of exceptions, I think that none of these companies continue to operate - certainly not out of these outlets. But if you know otherwise or can provide information about any of the featured names, then please get in touch!

"Artola tapissier/litier", rue de Kater.

"Libé-Literie", Cours de la Libération. Not so faded: I think this company still trades.

"Dépôt des Meubles Barret", rue Servandoni. The associated Meubles Barret furniture store is still on Cours d'Albret.

"L. Lahontan garnitures autos", rue Montfaucon.

"Art et sièges, David décorateur, tapissier en meubles", rue Paul Louis Lande.

"Carrel Frères, sucres et produits ---rs (?)", rue Ramonet.

"Zinguerie/plomberie Banouey" or "Banquey"? Rue Dumaine.

"Imprimerie J. Boucherie", rue Camille Sauvageau. This is now a live music venue.

"Bois et charbons R. Dubourg", rue Mazarin.

No paint here, but we'll accept it anyway! "Ambulances bordelaises", rue Saint-Laurent. A company with the same name now operates out of Le Bouscat. Could it be the same company?