Monday 21 March 2016

Mixed Messages

William Morris Building
Gosford Street


The message above seems straight forward
until you see the sign on the wall opposite (below).
Spot the difference between these two ghost signs :).


The William Morris Building, now part of Coventry University,
has a most interesting history.  The University added
two floors in early 2000.  Before that in early 1900's 
ARNO cars and motorcycles were built here. 
After that HOTCHKISS ET CIE produced 50,000 machine guns
during WWI and then produced engines for Morris cars.
 Morris took over and the premises became MORRIS ENGINES LIMITED in 1923.
By 1930 NUFFIELD MECHANISATIONS produced armaments during WW2.
After the war it became the 
Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance.
If you would like more detail, follow the link HERE.


The arrows (below) show where
the two ghost signs are located (with their conflicting information).


I enjoyed trooping out in cold today searching
for the sign below.  I was really surprised when
my husband spotted a second sign.  Well done, that man!


Participating in Monday Mural


15 comments:

RedPat said...

It looks like there was a little editing on the first one!

Lowell said...

More fascinating history. I have come to love Coventry from your blog. I never knew it existed before then. And the two signs are hilarious. Sure wonder what that was all about and why the fuss re tea leaves.

Bill said...

Great background story and I love that you found those signs to photograph.

LuiZ FernandoS said...

The addition seem to fit quite well! I would never imagine they were not original floors.

Stefan Jansson said...

I think I will have a cup of tea now.

Marleen said...

Yep, great find!

William Kendall said...

One wonders when it was such an epidemic problem that they had to put up notices!

Fun60 said...

That building has a wonderful, colourful history. Well done you two for spotting those signs.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

The signs made me smile Lauren.. Someone obviously not happy 'amended' the sign, imagine how many cups of tea drunk to make this a problem :) tres sturdy building, well capable of its past and future uses!

Chrissy Brand said...

Wonderful find Lauren!

Halcyon said...

Funny messages! I wouldn't think it would matter where the tea leaves go as they're biodegradable. But I guess it was important, back then!

nicol2carm said...

Great history and two funny signs, I like it!

Tom said...

a few bricks can change the message

Oakland Daily Photo said...

What happens if you pour tea leaves down the wrong drain? Must be catastrophic or they wouldn't have gone to all the trouble. Right? (wink). Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.

Unknown said...

it looks very nice :)
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