What are dummy boards?

Dummy boards are flat timber figures painted to resemble people or animals, often displayed in hallways or near fireplaces. Historically placed to surprise visitors or act as silent companions in rooms, they date across the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

How were trade signs used?

Trade signs hung outside shops, cinemas and businesses to advertise specific trades or goods to passers-by. They rely on clear painted lettering and imagery to communicate services before the dominance of modern illuminated signage.

Where should I hang a fairground panel?

Fairground panels suit large wall spaces in living areas or kitchens where their bold painted graphics can act as a focal point. Their robust timber construction and vibrant early twentieth-century palettes anchor contemporary interior schemes effectively.

How do I date a painted wooden sign?

Dating relies on examining the style of the hand-painted lettering, the type of timber used, and the composition of the paint layers. Nineteenth-century examples often show distinct wear patterns compared to interwar or Belle Époque pieces.