Old Market - Omaha - Metz Building - #1

This is one of four in a series of photos that capture details of the eastern facade of the Metz Building in the Old Market area of Omaha, Nebraska. ... more

by Nikolyn McDonald

Title

Old Market - Omaha - Metz Building - #1

Artist

Nikolyn McDonald

Medium

Photograph

Description

This is one of four in a series of photos that capture details of the eastern facade of the Metz Building in the Old Market area of Omaha, Nebraska. The brick exterior of this old building is covered with painted advertisements known as ghost signs. Advertising signs were popular in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Painted by hand by artists known as wall dogs, the older ones were done using oil-based house paint; this is why so many of these very old signs are still at least faintly visible today. This vertical view of the Metz Building includes a ground level wrought iron fence. Other images in the series can be seen in my Omaha Nebraska gallery.

A ghost sign is an old hand-painted advertising sign that has been preserved on a building for an extended period of time. The sign may be kept for its nostalgic appeal, or simply indifference by the owner.

Featured: Signs

Uploaded

June 8th, 2014