Blast From The Past: Vanishing Seattle Exhibit Brings Iconic Seattle Signs to the Public

The Vanishing Seattle exhibit at Railspur is a blast from the past for Seattleites young and old. Featuring signage from historic Seattle businesses, many of which are no longer around, it’s a trip down memory lane for many. We were at the opening of the exhibit last Friday to check it out and speak with Cynthia Brothers of Vanishing Seattle.

Brothers said that for her, creating this space is meaningful because it brings so many emotions out of the visitors.

“I've noticed that when people come into this space or when they see something that reminds them of a place that was really important in their lives where they made memories or built communities, they have a very visceral, emotional reaction,” Brothers said.

The exhibit, which is a partnership with Forest For The Trees and ARTXIV and was a satellite event of the Seattle Art Fair, features signs from businesses throughout Seattle, including Sunset Bowl and many from the International District. There’s also a section of signs from Gay bars. 

“It's just kind of a love letter to not only to the spaces that have shaped the history and culture and identities of Seattle, but some of the signs in and of themselves that are works of art,” Brothers said. “Some are hand painted, wood carved, so there's a really cool diversity of different signage here.”

You can see the exhibit at Railspur ( 419 Occidental Ave S.) on Thursday between 5-9 pm during the Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk.

You can find more information about Vanishing Seattle here: https://www.vanishingseattle.org/