THE HONG KONG ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY
AND THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY
PRESENT
An Anthropological Talk by Ben MARANS & Billy POTTS
Hong Kong Ghost Signs: Summoning Characters from our City's Past
Friday 6 June 2025, 7:00pm
Hong Kong Museum of History
Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, 100 Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
The story of Hong Kong is told through a visual cacophony of unique signage - hand-written calligraphy, vibrant colours, and creative characters. While many fixate on Hong Kong's well-known, at-risk neon signs, few recognize the abundance of Ghost Signs - defunct signage from times past that remain a tangible trace of the communities that have changed or disappeared amidst Hong Kong's rapid (re)development. These signs are left behind by businesses, public institutions, and communities that have moved along or disappeared altogether. They can be hand-painted, terrazzo, acrylic, wood, metal, or other materials, still in their original location yet sometimes obscured by new signs, air conditioning units, and even laundry being hung out to dry.
Chronicling the people, places and cultures that came before, Hong Kong Ghost Signs is the first to apply an extensive urban archaeological lens to Hong Kong in both the English and Chinese speaking worlds, leading to a greater understanding of our ever-changing city where calligraphers, sign installers, and the communities they served have left unique marks of a disappearing way of life. With photographs by Ben Marans and research by Billy Potts, hundreds of Ghost Signs from across the city and the Greater Bay Area have been documented to date. Coming soon will be an interactive web app, walking tours, and a book, all aimed at sharing these treasures. Our goal is to educate, to inspire, and to engage a community of Ghost Sign Hunters to hit the streets, explore Hong Kong's vibrant neighbourhoods, and help capture and celebrate the stories of this place we call home.
See more of our work at https://www.instagram.com/hkghostsigns/ Special thanks to The Design Trust and the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust for their generous support of our work.
Billy Potts is a Hong Kong-born writer and designer noted for his impactful work and cultural journalism focusing on Hong Kong's rich heritage. Founder of the consultancy Handsome Co., Potts emphasizes storytelling through design and advocates for the preservation of local culture.
Ben Marans is a Canadian photographer who has been documenting Hong Kong with a camera, a strong sense of curiosity, and an empathetic approach to connecting with his subjects. Ben's work as a photojournalist has been published locally and abroad, and he works with clients in the NGO and corporate sectors to tell stories through impactful visual imagery.
The HKAS is a member of the World Council of Anthropological Associations