Sharpie's Golf House was a golf shop on Elizabeth Street, in the inner city suburb of Surry Hills, near Central railway station. For decades it featured this animated, electric neon sign above the shopfront that had become a Sydney landmark. Since the 1950s, train commuters out of the city at night had marvelled at the golfer sinking the golf balls in the hole. The shop closed a few years ago but the Sharpie's Golf House Sign was heritage listed for its value as a unique example of 20th century advertising. The sign is currently in storage with the intention to reincorporate the reconstructed sign on the building after it has been redeveloped.Thursday, 1 March 2012
Surry Hills, Sharpie's Golf House (Theme Day: Electricity)
Sharpie's Golf House was a golf shop on Elizabeth Street, in the inner city suburb of Surry Hills, near Central railway station. For decades it featured this animated, electric neon sign above the shopfront that had become a Sydney landmark. Since the 1950s, train commuters out of the city at night had marvelled at the golfer sinking the golf balls in the hole. The shop closed a few years ago but the Sharpie's Golf House Sign was heritage listed for its value as a unique example of 20th century advertising. The sign is currently in storage with the intention to reincorporate the reconstructed sign on the building after it has been redeveloped.
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Love it Jim!
ReplyDeleteI walked past this just the other day, on my way up a couple of blocks to photograph more murals. I wondered what had happened to the sign. The building is a mess. If they don't tear it down soon, it will collapse under the weight of its own squalor. It is already on its knees!
ReplyDeleteI like it's squalor Julie! I also hope that just a tinge of that rusted patina will remain when the sign is resurrected!
ReplyDeleteShame you couldn't get it turned on for the shot though Jim! ;)
Interesting story jim. Hope that the building is reconstructed before it collapses!
ReplyDeletehow wonderful that the sign was saved...hope it will be up ~ somewhere ~ someday!
ReplyDeletenice shot!
ReplyDeletecool find.
ReplyDeleteSIGNS
It is fortunate that you have a shot of the building as a golf shop along with the sign. When I think of the missed opportunities because I didn't have a camera and then a building is demolished I could almost cry.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beauty. Make sure you show it to us when it's working again.
ReplyDeleteInteresting conglomeration there!
ReplyDeleteYeah this building is boarded up totally now, with the sign having been gone for a couple of years. It is just a mess of a building. Even the 'Illustrated Man' on the other corner has moved buildings. I would think demolition and conversion into an apartment block can only be 12 months away. I cannot imagine this sign going back on the new building. But somewhere on the other side of Elizabeth Street actually on Railway land would be a good spot.
ReplyDeleteExcellent... the Sharpie's Golf House Sign absolutely needed to be heritage listed for its historical value in 20th century advertising.
ReplyDeleteBut it is practically lost in all that other advertising junk. I would have told the owners to preserve the sign itself AND keep a clear space for 10 metres all around.
Great photo, Jim. Interesting story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great novelty sign - I'm so glad it is being preserved. They just don't make 'em like that any more.
ReplyDeleteJulie, you're probably right. I can only imagine the sign returning here if they specifically incorporate it into the design of a new building.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope they get the sign up again!
ReplyDeleteGreat post for today Jim, I bet that where ever they choose to put up the sign it will still look good.
ReplyDeleteGood to know this wonderful old sign has been saved.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet that was a fun sign to see at nighttime.
ReplyDeleteLove the Sharpies sign, always a hole in one, just like my golf!
ReplyDeleteI love this sign, it was spectacular. I have my doubts that it will ever rise again unless it is at the Powerhouse Museum. Great theme post Jim.
ReplyDeletegreat vintage feel.:p
ReplyDeletePerfect selection. Glad you got a shot of it before it disappeared.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad there is a plan to restore the unique sign. Nice record of it; too bad it was not still lit. Nice interpretation.
ReplyDeleteWell, you certainly hit the jackpot with this sign...or should I say multiple sign on one building. This is a great find, and your shot is a fine one. genie
ReplyDeleteWow! They are so good. I like the whole idea behind this undertaking. Continue pressing on!
ReplyDeleteIt is really a good move to have the sign still in storage while awaiting the completed redevelopment. An item that has such historical and sentimental value should be treasured and displayed out in the public for all future residents and visitors to appreciate. Even though we are always adapting to this modernizing world, we still need to value the things that sculpted us into what we are today.
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