Vintage Advertising Signs And The Story Behind Them

By Katy Kline


Vintage advertising signs have been around for hundreds of years. The give people the opportunity to talk about events in a community or advertise some type or product or idea. Without this our lives would not be the same, nor would our businesses.

Signs are usually a mixed array of colors. The type of colors and pictures used depends on what time period the particular advert came from. If you are talking about the 1980s you have more realistic artwork. As well as neutral colors mixed with bright colors. If we go back to the 1960s we see very artistic photos. Lots of loops and swirls, nothing realistic. They liked things very vibrant and colorful. As you can understand advertising is a huge mix of many different things. As long as it is very visual and gets people to look at it, it is doing its job.

Back around the 17th century a law was enacted that stopped anything from being hung. Since advertisements had gotten so loud and giant over the years, they were having a problem with them falling off of buildings. This meant that the people walking below had the possibility of being hit and crushed with them. A while after this law was created, they changed it. It was decided things could be hung, but they must be held tightly to the side of a building or wall.

When the light bulb was created in the 19th century, it changed everything. People now wanted this spectacular item in their posters. This meant a new vivid way to advertise, something that had not been seen before.

Another great invention were neon tubes, which were created in the 20th century. The first time one of these was used was in 1921. These have been a prominent staple in this type of business ever since. Neon is usually seen in bigger cities, it will line the streets and give them a magnificent glow.

When the use of metal and tin were eliminated during the times of war, companies had to find another product to use. This is how plastic became the new in material. Manufacturers were able to get over the limitations and use this new item. It was fairly cheap and very dependable, perfect for what they needed.

Neon was used more infrequently as time went on. In the 1950s neon may have still been less expensive but plastic was being used over it. It was the better option because it was easier to use. With the neon you had to have an agreement thought another place. This meant more hassle for you and less profit. Companies decided to take to plastic and make product quicker. This got rid of the extra contract as well as made signs easier to access.

Over the years vintage advertising signs have gone from black and white, to color, to crazy patterns. They were then transformed into visual masterpieces. They had light bulbs and neon tubes, making colors even more vibrant. Eventually things settled down during the war and plastic became the most popular material. Without the advancing of these over time, our world would not be the same.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment