Ghost signs of Hong Kong: Instagram journalism & documenting history with Billy Potts & Ben Marans

Ghost signs—faded, hand-painted advertisements for defunct businesses—serve as a form of urban archaeology, documenting Hong Kong’s rapid post-war development and shifting cultural identity. Writer Billy Potts and photographer Ben Marans identify these remnants as essential historical records, noting that their density often correlates with specific industrial growth patterns across the city. Unlike standardized international definitions, Hong Kong’s ghost signs reflect local calligraphic traditions and unique architectural materials, ranging from commercial tobacco ads to the military signage found in the Shing Mun Redoubt tunnels. By mapping these sites and engaging the public through digital platforms and exhibitions, the project preserves the stories of ordinary people and businesses that would otherwise be lost to urban redevelopment. This work transforms the city into an accessible, open-air museum, revealing layers of history hidden in plain sight.