David Nettlefold has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the outdoor advertising industry in Australia and South-East Asia. When he began in the business enamel, or as they were then better known ‘porcelain’ signs were still prevalent but as the nature of advertising changed the need for immediacy and frequently renewed messages began to see enamel signs replaced by more transient, and often bigger, installations.

David confesses that he has been more of an ‘accumulator’ of vintage signs than a true collector. “I’ve always admired the intrinsic appeal of signs – all types really. It never ceases to amaze me how over a period of 60-plus years I’ve watched people protest about new signs going up, then later on they protest about the same ‘old’ signs coming down! In recent years we have seen outdoor advertising seen as art, a term applied particularly to vintage enamel signs. No doubt in years to come the best survivors of modern signs will attain similar status.”

Most of the examples David has included in the sale were assembled over the years when he or his companies replaced them with something else. A few, notably the ‘Lone Pine’ sign, and some international examples were gifts from colleagues in the industry.

“Countless thousands of wonderful signs were simply thrown away when they were replaced. They were old and redundant in commercial terms. I always found it hard to resist holding on to those with special appeal, but they were in the minority because our business of course focused on erecting new advertising, not preserving old copy.” Says David.

Nevertheless, luckier examples of the old signs David’s business replaced were to make the transition from advertising to art by being displayed in the boardroom of his corporate premises. Later they were installed at his country property ‘Hazeldene’ in rural Victoria.

A move to permanent residency in Melbourne has meant the signs offered in the auction have spent several years in storage.

“I only have one or two favourites at home these days and a storeroom is no place for these great old signs. I hope by dispersing them they will bring more years of pleasure to other collectors and admirers.”