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A one-of-a-kind ghost sign has been uncovered at a shop in the west end... and it's giving us a sweet taste of nostalgia.

The antique Bournville cocoa sign, which dates back as far as 1906, was unearthed by new owners taking over the former locksmiths at 656 Dumbarton Road.

Mum Hilary Nicholl and daughter Zoe Buchanan, who are currently refurbishing the shop as an art gallery, were delighted after discovering the distinctive old shop front beneath plastic and vinyl, which also features a smaller Bovril sign with 'closed on Tuesdays 1:00' above the front door.

The faded remains of the shop frontage have offered the duo a window into a bygone era in Glasgow.

"We were desperate to see what was underneath! But I couldn't believe it. The Bournville sign is very rare and unusual because it's not hand-written, it's enamelled. Specially made," Hilary said.

"The other sign is interesting too: Scotstoun Emporium is the only shop that still closes on a Tuesday nowadays – that shops been in the family for generations and they've kept that tradition!"

Former art teacher Hilary, who previously owned Albert Drive art studios, spotted the locksmiths was up for sale while out shopping one day in October. Curiosity got the better of her and she went in to enquire.

(Image: Glasgow City Archives)

Laughing, Hilary explained: "It's funny because about three years ago, I'd given him a massive Victorian lock to get a key specially made and I knew only he could do it. Each time I came in, he said 'I haven't done it yet!'

"He said it again when I went in in October – but this time, I was wanting the keys for the shop! The next week, it was mine."

It's been a labour of love for the Glasgow-based pair, who tell how the community has rallied behind them in unlocking the shop's fascinating history.

Hilary said: "Our background is in environmental art, so we're into the context of the space. It's important to me to trace the history of the shop, all the different lives it's had.

"It's exciting and beyond being a shopkeeper. We want to add to the history and restore it as best we can."

(Image: Glasgow City Archives)

As we sit by the window, passers-by glance up in wonder at the retro signage before casting their eyes inside. A couple wave at Hilary, who has become well acquainted with her new neighbours.

"People are delighted and we've had really good feedback," she said. "It's not a barbers, or a nail bar or another coffee shop – not that there's anything wrong with any of those! This is going to be an art-based venue, so it's something a bit different. There's a bit of buzz around it."

(Image: Allan Dimmock (Supplied by Nicolls))

Zoe added: "We looked at the old interior plans from the Mitchell Library and reinstalled a fireplace, and we're going for Victorian features like French-style gates and an art nouveau style door. People just covered up a lot of the original features and we want to breathe life back into them."

The space itself has had many hats over the years: The pair aren't sure of its "original incarnation," though they suspect it was a grocery or a cafe in the early 20th century. After searching Mitchell Library archives and talking to people in the area, they discovered it was once a laundrette in the 1960s and a record shop in the 1970s.

Hilary and Zoe have also experienced some interesting coincidences in their journey of discovery: Their pal Les, who has helped them to restore the enamel in the Bournville sign, went travelling to India with Chunny, the owner of the record shop in the 1970s.

"It felt right. There's been so much synergy with this space. Things have happened very organically as it's mean to happen. We're giving it our best shot."

(Image: Glasgow City Archives)

Zoe said: "We are really open to ideas and look forward to hearing from people who might be interested in hiring Nicolls for art exhibitions, pop up shops, workshops, talks, book groups , yoga classes. We'd love to hear from people!"

Nicolls will launch this Friday with an exhibition featuring works from their late family friend Robert Stewart, who passed from cancer this year.

Anyone interested in hiring Nicolls can email nicollsevents@gmail.com. Follow @nicolls_glasgow on Instagram.