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Page last updated at 12:44 GMT, Monday, 17 May 2010 13:44 UK

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In pictures: Ghost signs in Nottinghamshire

Anne Jeffrey stands in front of a ghost sign on Station Street.

Nottinghamshire historian Anne Jeffery is part of an online project which seeks to photograph, research and archive the remaining examples of hand painted wall advertising in the UK.

Man walks past ghost sign advertising an old drapery in Nottingham

The faded ads are known as ghost signs. They can be found all over Nottinghamshire advertising different products and services. This one on Station Street advertises a former drapery on South Parade, Nottingham.

Picture of ghost sign behind billboard in Hockley, Nottingham

The signs were painted by skilled craftsmen long before mass produced billboards arrived. (Picture of ghost sign behind billboard in Hockley, Nottingham).

Close-up of ghost sign on Station Street

Anne said: "They are pieces of art. The people that did them must have been incredibly skilful. They weren't intended to last forever but it's testament to their skill that they are."

The signs are usually found in areas that have not been redeveloped. Anne said: "They are usually above eye line, I would imagine people don't even realise they're there." (Picture of two butchers' shops in Sneinton).

Picture of advert for Gold Medal Ales on North Sherwood Street

Signs are lost due to weathering, being painted over or being knocked down. "We are campaigning to keep them and make sure people preserve them," said Anne. (Picture: Advert for Gold Medal Ales, North Sherwood Street).

Little boy stands outside ghost sign in Forest Fields

The archive is hosted by the History of Advertising Trust and can be found at www.ghostsigns.co.uk (Picture of ghost sign on Foxhall Road, Forest Fields, Nottingham).

This is Anne Jeffrey's picture of a ghost sign for a former coal merchants in Radford. We would like your pictures of the ghost signs you have seen in Nottinghamshire. Please e-mail them to: nottingham@bbc.co.uk

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