Signs of the times

Since we began digitising the Holtermann negatives to our new standard we have been able to view previously unclear details in the negatives. One of the great benefits of this is that we can now read the small text on posters and signs on the shop fronts and fences of Australia's gold rush towns.

This gives us a great insight into how items – such as wagons, horses and even claims – were traded and sold as well as the travelling shows, community meetings and even members of royalty passing through at the time.

In addition to these small posters we can also find new information on the grand hand-painted shop front signage not previously visible - including the signature of the sign writer himself.

We look forward with interest to the doorways these old posters will potentially open up for historical researchers.