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Signs
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Signs have their origin in preliterate society. Shopkeepers used to hang objects or symbols of their trade above their shops and until it was forbidden by law in 1762 because so many people were injured by falling signs. The practice continues in a small way with pawnbrokers, barbers, public houses and a few others. The pawnbroker’s balls derived from three gold discs based upon Byzantine coins.
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The barber’s pole was originally red with a bleeding dish at the end signifying the barber’s role as surgeon. The patient would grasp the bowl while being bled; a white bandage twisted round the pole gave rise to the spiral stripes. In our multilingual society dependent upon rapid communication we are returning to the use of signs and symbols which convey information clearly and concisely. For this reason they must be visual targets to a greater or lesser extent according to their importance. |
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Motorway signs, clearly, must be highly efficient both in terms of visibility and imparting information. The factors which need careful consideration are: size and scale in relation to the surroundings, shape, colour, symbol or wording, sighting and number of repetitions, as well as durability and fixing. |
Shape is of particular importance in relation to both background and content. Rectangular signs are generally best for lettering and for mounting on walls, whereas circular ones are usually better for symbols and, being more perfect in shape, they are less obtrusive in the landscape. The adoption of the latter with a red warning edge on white with black for mandatory road signs is appropriate. But the use of colour in general leaves much to be desired.
ML
LANCASTER , M. (1984) Britain in View Colour and the Landscape. London: Quiller.
Photographs
Art Shop Sign • Photographer: Berkeley Robinson • berkeley@thecollieragency.com.au
Las Vegas Sign • Photographer: Bob Townsend • bobt54@gmail.com
Bump Sign • Photographer: Andy Shaffer • dammitandy@dammitandy.com
Stop Sign • Photographer: Emily MacKenzie • thelastcoolgirl@gmail.com
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