Apothecary's sign in wood, Europe, 1701-1900

Made:
1701-1900 in Europe
Apothecary's shop sign in form of sun, wooden, c18 or c19

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Apothecary's shop sign in form of sun, wooden, c18 or c19
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Apothecary's shop sign in form of sun, wooden, c18 or c19, European.

The Greek god Apollo was the god of light and for this reason is associated with the Sun. Apollo was also a patron of medicine and healing and was said to be the judge of sickness and health. This may be why this apothecary’s shop sign is in the shape of a sun.

As the numbering of houses and businesses was not standard practice until the 1800s, it was common for shop signs to use symbols to advertise their presence and to describe the type of trade carried out on the premises.

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A631330
Materials:
incomplete, wood (unidentified), plaster and paint
Measurements:
overall - as displayed: 475 mm x 505 mm x 80 mm, 61 mm, .47 kg
type:
shop sign
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust