This project, with a bundle of 5 bi-scriptural bookmarks, endeavours to document the salient features of signages in Chennai. We consider handmade signage as a design practice to be celebrated as they serve as markers for Madras’s evolving cityscape. They are preserved moments in time, a visual expression that illustrates a biographical layer of the city. Our renditions have experimented with different complementary colourways and are not exact replicas of the original boards. We encourage you to scan the corresponding QR Codes, which will direct you to the exact location of the shop front. 

Thanks to Tamil-type designer, Aadarsh Rajan and photographer, Aashim Tyagi (@streettypearchive) for sharing their insight about the textual features of these signages. 

Illustrations by Kripa Anna John (@kripaanna)
Photographs by Binsan Oommen Baby (@binsanoommen)