The York Ghost Signs Project

Priestley

 

Address: Priestley House, 36 Bootham, YO30 7BL (now Blenkin and Company)

 

Description

Two ceramic ghost signs display “Priestley” in cream-coloured tiles against a brown background, one sign beneath each front window.

 

 

History

John Benjamin Priestley, born in Hunslet in 1877, established a butcher shop at 36 Bootham in the early 20th century.

 

The shop remained in operation for over 60 years until 1972, when it became part of the Dewhursts Butchers chain.

 

In the late 1970s and 80s, the space transformed into a punk clothing outlet and later evolved into a vintage shop; reflecting the changing fashion trends of the period.

 

1981 – A poster advertising Priestley’s T-shirts, from when the building was a punk clothing outlet

 

Today, it houses Blenkin and Co., an estate agency with a hand-painted sign that resembles the style of many ghost signs featured on this website – echoing the building’s rich history.

 

Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!

 

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