Ghostsigns of Covent Garden: bygone brands and businesses

Ghostsigns are the remains of historic advertising for businesses or brands that are no longer available at that site, or simply faded remnants of old forms of street-facing promotion.

Today, the Covent Garden area is buzzing with bars, restaurants and retail outlets, but look up above the shops to discover hints of history that show us how these streets were previously home to a diverse range of trades and services.

Most of the signs we will look at will have been hand-painted directly onto walls, like the one shown here, but other types can also be found, such as logos embedded within masonry or cast into metal.

You will hear about the bygone businesses behind the signs selling hardware and herbs, tobacco and transport, billiards and bicycles, glass and guitars.

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• The walk starts near Holborn station and lasts approx two hours, ending a few minutes from Tottenham Court Rd station.
• The specific meeting point will be provided after purchase – please see the FAQs section below.
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Customer feedback: "My husband and I have been on a few of your ghostsigns walking tours in the past... we thoroughly enjoy them." / "I have often wondered about some of the signs near Seven Dials and now I understand them" / "A delight. Thanks. We will be back for more walks with you soon." / "Your enthusiasm is infectious Jane " / "Loved it! And you managed to keep my teenagers entertained, which is no mean feat!!" / "This was so very interesting! There is so much still there but most people don't notice." / "I loved the mix of history and typographic details" / "...so engaging, thanks to your delivery style and obvious thirst for knowledge" / More feedback here

Other ghostsigns walks and talks available – please check my listings or see www.janeslondonwalks.com

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 tour start and what if I am running late?

• Important – please do not rely on info and maps supplied by QR codes and apps as these often give incorrect or misleading information.
• The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within an email sent to you immediately after your purchase...
  – Scroll down to the Additional Information section at the bottom where you will also find details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.

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.

Where exactly does this tour start?

• Details of the exact meeting point will written in plain written english on your booking confirmation and ticket which will both be sent via email after purchase. This info will be at the bottom, so keep scrolling down!

What if I am running late?

• Details of the first part of the route will be explained near the bottom of your emailed ticket

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 hrs 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 48hrs 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?

• The walk is mostly on standard pavements, but please note that some streets in this area are uneven, narrow or cobbled.

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: janeslondon@gmail.com
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks