Posted 2 years ago
Signs_Galore
(1 item)
An original advertising sign for Durex
made by Johnson's of Hendon Ltd (circa 1950's) (London)
This is not Rare but probably UNIQUE
The body is constructed of powder coated metal, with the sign on Lucite.
It also retains it's Bakelite lightbulb holder, again in pristine condition
For further information it measures as follows:
Width. 18 cms
Height. 13 cms
Depth. 16 cms (Including bracket)
I have searched the internet extensively and have yet to find another remotely similar.
I can't find any connection between johnsons of hendon ltd and durex.
https://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/Johnsons_of_Hendon/Johnsons_of_Hendon.html
And I also don't see this logo here..
https://1000logos.net/durex-logo/
However durex has been around since 1929. If you look at the link and b&w picture in this article...it looks like your sign with the lines above and below...EXCEPT..their early logo was capitalized.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-10712088
Another photo, showing capitalized logo
https://www.durexusa.com/pages/history
I suspect your piece may be two unrelated pieces married together?
Another logo
https://www.ebay.com/itm/272348044775?_ul=IL
Going back to my original thought..I believe your sign is from the durex blade company. The lines could symbolize the double edge?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144639388644#vi__app-cvip-panel
Thanks for all that info but at the end of the day it must be unique?
I have to honest with you and completely agree with what you are saying except the point about typography, however the branded product that is sold today uses the same lower case letters.
There may be something of a connection with barbers and it was sign that they used "something for the weekend, Sir?"
It is indeed a mystery, maybe someone knows the answer .
You were trying to relate the item to the 50's..I provided links with pictures showing they used capital letters in the early days. Until the 1960s and it doesn't look like any of their known fonts.
Yes I appreciate what you are saying, but I am saying
lack of evidence is no real guide in this case.
This item has without any doubt been made by Johnsons
of Hendon for what reason or purpose is still not known,
furthermore it is not two different things "cobbled together"
to create this unique piece.
I will try and widen my search to see if there might be anybody
who may have work or been associated with Johnsons and
might have the elusive answer.
Well here's some highlights for you..
"Over the next thirty years, Johnsons of Hendon produced developing tanks, enlargers, thermometers and darkroom accessories of all kinds and became distributors for such well-known names as Durst, Eumig, Braun, Voigtlander, Paterson, Ferrania, Polaroid, Tamron, Bolex, Aiwa, Denon and Zeiss Ikon."
Johnsons of Hendon Ltd started using that name around 1948- 49..up until 1977 when it was bought out. Then when that company went bankrupt they used the old name again from 1981 to 1985 when it became Johnsons Photopia.
To clarify my train of thought..
I could not find any association with durex, although it's plausible that they may have had dealings since they were into chemicals?
The fixture seems awfully fancy for a advertising sign of the era. Flame Powdercoating was still a relatively newer process. My suggestion of the durex part not being origin to the fixture..I suggest it was possibly some sort of dark room or chemical room light, having the flame Powdercoating to prevent reflective light? (From the history, they made darkroom accessories).
Hope you find some answers and come back and update us..
I hate that we can't edit our comments..
Looking closely at your pictures...
If you look at the structure of your light fixture...it appears from the photos that the lower part of the frame has been modified to fit the insert. Compare the construction to the upper cross brace?
Here's the proof of my theory..
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-safelight-johnsons-hendon-246397512
And here I was, at first glance, thinking "DUREX" was a brand of condoms...??
<LOL>
Now after a closer look (and beyond the giggles) and with dav2no1's comments, I would want to agree that the light fixture itself probably was a piece of photo-darkroom equipment at first, that somebody else installed the DUREX sign face into later, instead of whatever it came with. (prolly something plain red, that's the light color folks used to need to develop their own photographs if they wanted to do it in their basements instead of the Fotomat)