The humble sign used to be a piece of art
Signs in hospitals are a common site. They direct you on where to go and help you navigate yourself in an unfamiliar setting. But have you ever really paid any attention to them??
At a time when there was no 3D printers or laminating machines signs were often made from steel or other material that was readily available. Sign writing was a skill and hospitals often had professional sign writers on site or hired one to write and paint their signs.
At the CALHN Health Museum we have a wide variety of signs in our collection. Below are just a few examples of the workman ship and meticulous attention to detail that are in the signs at the museum.
Matron – was affixed to the wall indicating the Matron’s Office at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Northfield. It was used from 1932 until 1980.
Notice – This sign dates back to the first half of the 20th century and was from the original Adelaide Hospital. It is made from steel and hand painted.
Less Noise – used to hang on North Terrace. In 1925 when traffic and noise would become too loud they needed to warn the public to lessen the noise. It had been on North Terrace from 1925 to 1982. It was then attached to a tram outside the School of Mines (on North Terrace).
Not Smoking – Small metal sign from Flinders Ward, 1st East Wing, of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital
Chute – A framed sign is not a common site in todays hospitals but in the 1950s many signs were framed like this one. Its even signed by the hospital’s Lay Superintendent and Fire Safety Officer.
Not all signs last through time. Signs are placed in many different locations not just in hospitals but in the community. Even ones that are made from steel or brass can suffer damage.
These signs were found in the Level 2, Theatre Block, old Royal Adelaide Hospital (North Terrace site) in 2017 when the hospital moved sites. It is not know how they came to be melted or when but it must have been vey hot to have melted them.
Many Doctors and Specialists had impressive signs to identify their offices or rooms. Here are just few.
Looking back at these old signs makes you appreciate the time, effort and craftmanship that would go into making these signs. So next time you see a sign think about how they could have looked in the past.
Written by Kellie Branson, CALHN Health Museum