Yesterday I spotted two noteworthy advertising boards, of the small freestanding kind that people put on the pavement outside their shops during opening hours, to tempt pedestrians inside. I think they might be referred to as “A-boards” in the boardmaking industry. Not that I have any great insider knowledge about advertising signage and boardcraft, though I have commissioned a display stand or two in my time including a rolling screen affair and a large colourful construction that was even more difficult to erect than a tent, and I’ve had a few fights with tents in my time, though the tent-construction element is amongst the least of my objections to camping, which are many and varied. Anyway, this is all very interesting but beside the point of this post, which was to report on these two noteworthy advertising boards.
The first board was outside the Wetherspoons pub in Kingswood. It advertised the fact that this weekend the pub would be showing the live X-Factor final on a big screen. Whether a communal X-Factor screening is a step down or up or merely across from communal football screening, I leave for you to decide.
The second and much more enjoyable board I spotted while driving through Whitehall, one of the least salubrious areas of Bristol. It was outside one of those eccentric higgledy-piggledy used-furniture/junk shops that you find in tatty urban areas yet unpenetrated by the chain stores. The sign was worn and handpainted. TEA CHESTS – SOLD HERE! it proclaimed boldly, proudly, urgently.
Ah, tea chests, where would the British flitting industry be without 'em.
ReplyDeleteWay back when, if you worked for Twinnings you were everybody's friend.
I am quite a fund of knowledge regarding A frames and exhibition stands. Strangely, people at dinner partys never seem overly impressed with my expertise in this milieu.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'd misread the post title at first, and had my interest piqued by the prospect of two noteworthy advertising broads.
ReplyDeleteFunny that about X-Factor. The descendant of music hall talent shows, now going back to its live audience music hall roots. In the old days though you could throw rotten veg at the acts. The landlord wouldn't allow that what with a flat screen and that.
ReplyDeleteAh, sorry to disappoint, Dogimo.
ReplyDeleteAnd bringing the two observations together with one of my own: I thought the winner of X Factor had all the vocal skill of a tea chest.
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