BELFAST LOVE – GHOST SIGN MURAL
Located on the exterior of Belfast Love, an Irish pub in Toronto, this mural was designed as both an invitation and a statement piece. The concept revolved around a ghost sign aesthetic, a technique that makes new signage appear aged and weathered, blending seamlessly into the surrounding urban environment.
Creative Concept & Execution
The sign was designed to look like an old brick wall advertisement, giving it an authentic, historical charm. The message itself played a clever dual role—before the pub opened, it included the opening date, effectively serving as a promotional piece. Once the pub launched, we returned to update the mural, removing the opening details so that the sign remained as a permanent fixture.
Techniques & Process
- The base layer was first painted as a large rectangle to provide a contrasting background against the red brick.
- Vinyl stencils were then used to paint the typography, ensuring crisp and clear lettering.
- To achieve the faded, aged look, we carefully distressed parts of the lettering by selectively sanding and weathering the paint.
- A ladder was used to access higher sections of the wall, as the mural measured approximately 10’x20’.
Challenges & Unique Elements
- Since the pub was not yet open, the work had to be completed on a tight timeline to align with the launch.
- The aged effect required careful balance—it had to look naturally worn but still legible from a distance.
- We worked with an assistant on the first day to complete the bulk of the mural efficiently.
Final Result
The finished mural became an iconic visual element for Belfast Love, reinforcing the pub’s branding while adding an element of nostalgia. By integrating the mural with the architecture and historical charm of the area, it successfully captures the spirit of a classic Irish pub in the heart of the city.
Completion Time: 1.5 days
Crew Size: 2 painters on the first day, 1 for final refinements