TYPE-RIGHTER // nostalgic retail

A place of nostalgia in the centre of Sydney is the original Mark Foy’s department store which opened in 1909. This beautiful retail space had Australia’s very first escalator and even had a grand ballroom for events. Enduring many renovations over the years it eventually stopped trading in 1980. It then became Grace Brothers Piazza and is currently the Downing Centre used by the legal courts. Thankfully the building is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register to protect its integrity.

Another source of great typography and retro signage are warehouses in the suburbs like this factory. This family owned business has been operating for over 130 years and was established by the Shelley family. It first traded as Shelley’s Soft Drinks in 1893 at Broken Hill until Albert “Bert” Shelley moved to Taren Point. This new location in 1968 came with the new name of Berts Soft Drinks. The font, colours and style are so definitive of this era which is a lovely ode to the history of the brand. Their legacy continues as the 5th generation still manage the company that is one of a few independent manufacturers that remain to this day.