Description
Photographic print, black & white, large advertising sign for David Jones advertising evening wear, designed by Rousel Studios, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c 1925
Large advertising sign designed for the Sydney department store David Jones by Rousel Studios' artist Stan Denford. The sign, which was flood-lit at night, was erected on a low brick and tile structure on the site formerly occupied by Sydney Girls High School at the corner of Elizabeth, Market and Castlereagh streets and re-developed by David Jones for the opening of its new store in 1927. The sign features men and women in evening dress attending a function. The men are wearing tuxedos, and some are wearing capes, top hats and carrying canes. The women are in evening gowns and some are wearing coats. At the function they are either dancing or standing in groups. Below the picture and in the centre of the panel it reads, "DAVID JONES for EVENING WEAR". On the left hand side it reads, "Exceptional Value/A DINNER SUIT for £9-9-0". On the right hand side the sign reads, "Exceptional Value/A DANCE FROCK for £7-7-0". Cars from the era can be seen on the roadway in front of the sign.
Marks
In pen on the page of the photograph album, "WE BUILT SIGN, ELIZ & C'REAGH STS (2) PAINTED SIGNS ON SHEETS/POSTER - FLOOD-LIT AT NIGHT. Artist STAN DENFORD/FIRST OF ITS KIND - TALK OF SYDNEY".