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ID #SA1231200
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£480
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An Unusual Collection of Fourteen Reverse-painted Glass Signs from a Hairdressing and Beauty Establishment C. 1930s/1940s
For sale by Rob Hall Antiques
for sale €562     $610
£480

Rob Hall Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2025
Browse dealers 39 items
Id #SA1231200
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An Unusual Collection of Fourteen Reverse-painted Glass Signs from a Hairdressing and Beauty Establishment C. 1930s/1940s

1920 - 1940
Description

An unusual collection of fourteen reverse-painted glass signs from a hairdressing and beauty establishment c. 1930s/1940s

Each sign is painted and lettered to the reverse of the glass and identifies a particular treatment or service.

Henna application, hair bleaching and eyebrow shaping were established salon treatments, while BEAUTY CULTURE was a contemporary term for professional beauty treatment and training. VIBRO MASSAGE refers to massage using mechanical vibration apparatus, which was employed in beauty and hairdressing establishments during the first half of the 20th century. FRICTION is likely to relate to a scalp treatment or massage.

The signs have evidently seen considerable use and survive with varying degrees of wear, scratching and losses to the reverse-painted decoration.

Sold as a collection of 14 signs

Measuring: Approx 23c, x 7 cm

British, circa 1930-1940s

Declaration

Rob Hall Antiques has dated these Reverse Painted Glass Signs to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1231200
Description
An unusual collection of fourteen reverse-painted glass signs from a hairdressing and beauty establishment c. 1930s/1940s
“
Each sign is painted and lettered to the reverse of the glass and identifies a particular treatment or service.
Rob Hall Antiques
fig 1. Fourteen rectangular reverse-painted glass signs detailing vintage beauty treatment terms in metallic lettering on painted backgrounds.
fig 1. An Unusual Collection of Fourteen Reverse-painted Glass Signs from a Hairdressing and Beauty Establishment C. 1930s/1940s

Henna application, hair bleaching and eyebrow shaping were established salon treatments, while BEAUTY CULTURE was a contemporary term for professional beauty treatment and training. VIBRO MASSAGE refers to massage using mechanical vibration apparatus, which was employed in beauty and hairdressing establishments during the first half of the 20th century. FRICTION is likely to relate to a scalp treatment or massage.

The signs have evidently seen considerable use and survive with varying degrees of wear, scratching and losses to the reverse-painted decoration.

Sold as a collection of 14 signs

Measuring: Approx 23c, x 7 cm

British, circa 1930-1940s

Date of Manufacture

Rob Hall Antiques has dated these Reverse Painted Glass Signs to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1231200
Rob Hall Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rob Hall Antiques Profile Page

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Fourteen rectangular reverse-painted glass signs detailing vintage beauty treatment terms in metallic lettering on painted backgrounds.
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Archive I Fourteen rectangular reverse-painted glass signs detailing vintage beauty treatment terms in metallic lettering on painted backgrounds.

An Unusual Collection of Fourteen Reverse-painted Glass Signs from a Hairdressing and Beauty Establishment C. 1930s/1940s

Archive II Fourteen rectangular reverse-painted glass signs detailing vintage beauty treatment terms in metallic lettering on painted backgrounds. View II
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07858 820345
Location
Northamptonshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2025
Items For Sale 39
Items Sold 34
Rob Hall Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2025
For Sale
39
Sold
34
Fourteen rectangular reverse-painted glass signs detailing vintage beauty treatment terms in metallic lettering on painted backgrounds.
An unusual collection of fourteen reverse-painted glass signs from a hairdressing and beauty establishment c. 1930s/1940s
Ref: SA1231200
Fourteen rectangular reverse-painted glass signs detailing vintage beauty treatment terms in metallic lettering on painted backgrounds.
Detail View 1
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWall Signs
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialGlass, Paint, Foil
  • ColourBlack & Gold
  • MotifsReverse-painted lettering, Block typography, Metallic foil gilding, Rectangular glass panels

This collection of fourteen Art Deco wall signs originates from a British hairdressing and beauty establishment dating to the period 1930 to the 1940s. Each rectangular glass panel features reverse-painted block typography in metallic foil gilding on painted backgrounds of black, green, blue, and red. The panels detail vintage beauty treatment terms such as henna application, bleaching, eyebrow shaping, vibro massage, friction, and beauty culture. The signs show considerable surface wear, including scratching, flaking paint, and losses to the reverse-painted decoration. Today, these glass pieces provide a historical decorative display when grouped together on a narrow wall space in a home study, bathroom, or hallway interior. Each individual sign measures approximately 23 cm by 7 cm, creating a unified horizontal arrangement that reflects mid-20th-century salon culture through material and typography.

Reverse-painted glass signage became prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for commercial storefronts, salons, and public houses. The technique allowed businesses to showcase smooth, sleek, and easily cleanable branding that protected the hand-painted lettering behind glass.

These signs were manufactured using clear sheet glass, specialized oil-based enamel paints, and metal foil gilding such as gold or silver leaf. The graphics and text were applied in reverse layers directly onto the back of the glass panel.

Authentic 1930s and 1940s examples feature hand-applied lettering, natural paint flaking or distress on the rear surface, and period typography. The glass itself often shows minor age-related imperfections and oxidisation on any metallic foil gilding.

A collection of small commercial signs can be framed individually or arranged in a grid formation on a focal wall. They serve as graphic historical accents in contemporary bathrooms, dressing areas, corridors, or commercial hospitality spaces.

The front glass surface should be gently cleaned with a dry or slightly dampened microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh chemical sprays. The painted reverse side must never be washed or wiped with liquids to prevent moisture from lifting the delicate paint and foil layers.
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