tp_heritage_listing


 * Heritage Listing **

Starting in the 1880s and through to the 1950s, brick walls were painted and covered in advertisements. Most of these have been painted over but those that remain are seen as heritage signs and part of Melbourne’s commercial history.

Many advertising signs in Melbourne are heritage listed. One of our most famous heritage listed signs in the Nylex Sign.

** The Nylex sign ** The Nylex sign is a heritage-listed sign and is one of Melbourne’s iconic advertising landmarks. It is seen as an important part of Melbourne’s history for Richmond used to be an industrial area and the ‘Nylex Plastics’ building which still stands today, reminds us of what it used to be. Richmond has the greatest number of old sky-signs, which include most of Melbourne’s iconic signs such as The Skipping Girl, Pelcao sign, Slade Knitwear and Victoria Bitter. The sign is very famous for it is known as “the time of the city”. It is a reference point for passing motorists and residents and is considered a gateway to Melbourne. The Nylex sign is located in Richmond, Melbourne.

** Capitol Theatre ** In 1932, the Capitol theatre was erected. Neon signs were starting to be introduced but the one on top of the capital theatre was most impressive. The sign was constructed of 2m tall letters spelling out the word “CAPITOL”. This sign is heritage listed and is significant to Melbourne for it is a memento for that time. The Capitol Theatre is located in Swanston Street (Melbourne's CBD), however the architecture changed.

** The Princess Theatre ** The electric bulb sign that overhangs the Princess theatre is a recognised commercial advertising. The sign is as historically significant as the theatre itself. The sign is known for it is old and its technology is unique for the time of its construction. There is not many advertising signs like this still standing in Melbourne. The Princess Theatre is located in Spring Street (Melbourne's CBD).

** Newspaper House ** The Newspaper House is the oldest serving neon sign in Melbourne. It was first illuminated in 1933 but is no longer working. The Newspaper House is located in Collins Street (Melbourne's CBD).

For more information on the historical significance of the Nylex sign and other heritage listed signs go to the Victorian Heritage Database: [] For a list of heritage listed signs go to: []

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