‘Ghost Sign’ Brought Back To Life

The past has been brought to life by a charity shop in Market Harborough town centre with the restoration of a historic ‘ghost sign.’

Specialist contractors working on behalf of The British Heart Foundation repainted the large Freeman Hardy and Willis sign on the side of their High Street building, which was home to the shoe shop decades ago.

Pic: Harborough District Council

The sign had faded over time and John O’Reilly, the charity’s regional manager, said: “At the British Heart Foundation we believe that so many things deserve a second chance to be appreciated.

“So it’s fantastic to see this historic sign restored to its former glory.”

In line with Government guidelines, our High Street store is currently closed to protect the public from the spread of Covid-19. However, we are really looking forward to when we can welcome customers back through our doors to continue raising vital funds for research into heart and circulatory diseases.”

Freeman Hardy & Willis specialised in boots and shoes. It was launched in 1875, at the height of the British Empire, opening stores across the UK.

The company went into decline and its shops closed nationally in the mid-1990s.

The sign before it was restored Pic: Google

Conservation officers from the District Council have praised the work.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, the council’s Cabinet lead on heritage and conservation, said: “This is a welcome restoration project which adds to the heritage of the historical town of Market Harborough.

“We have similar signs in the district – most notably in Market Harborough on the side of the Monks store next to the River Welland in Northampton Road.

“But it is great that this sign has been restored to complement the town centre’s other historical points of interest such as the Old Grammar School and St Dionysius Church.”