Iberian Network Preserves Historic Shop Signs Across Spain and Portugal
A network of over 50 projects across Spain and Portugal is working to preserve historic shop signs, from neon lights to engraved plaques, as part of the Iberian Network for the Defense of Graphic Heritage. Founded in February 2020, the network aims to protect this threatened form of cultural heritage. The initiative has created an archive covering 25 cities on the Iberian Peninsula, similar to efforts in museums in Berlin and Warsaw. The movement has gained momentum due to global economic crises that lead to the closure of small family-run businesses, which are often replaced by multinational chains. Alongside the signs, the network saves their coordinates to create thematic maps linked to local history.
Key facts
- The Iberian Network for the Defense of Graphic Heritage was founded in February 2020.
- The network comprises over 50 projects across Spain and Portugal.
- It preserves historic shop signs including neon lights, engraved signs, and richly decorated signs.
- The archive currently covers 25 cities on the Iberian Peninsula.
- Similar preservation efforts exist in museums in Berlin and Warsaw.
- Global economic crises have accelerated the loss of small family-run businesses and their signs.
- The network creates thematic maps with coordinates of saved signs.
- The initiative is driven by the idea that heritage resides in small objects that shape generational identity.
Entities
Institutions
- Iberian Network for the Defense of Graphic Heritage
- Patrimonio Gráfico
- Artribune
Locations
- Spain
- Portugal
- Iberian Peninsula
- Berlin
- Warsaw