The anonymous artist has placed spoof signs near Glasgow landmarks to make people smile and notice their surroundings
A mysterious artist is putting up spoof signs across streets of Glasgow to surprise and amuse passers-by.(Image: Getty Images)
A mysterious artist has been quietly placing spoof street signs across Glasgow, aiming to bring a moment of surprise and humour to those who stumble upon them.
The anonymous creative, who goes by the name @ASignOfHumour, has installed dozens of handmade signs near city landmarks. The sites of some of his more prominent signs include the Barrowland Ballroom, the Finnieston Crane, and the Glasgow Science Centre.
Each sign is intended to make people pause, laugh and take in their surroundings, and maybe even look up from their phones. What began as a light-hearted way to spark joy has become a larger project for the artist.
He revealed to the BBC that his work has been inspired by a growing sense that many people were missing the beauty of Glasgow.
“The main goal is to spark joy,” he said. “But it really started as a response to a lack of appreciation for Glasgow and its surroundings.”
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Though his real identity remains under wraps, the artist admits his children are in on the secret.
“The kids know because I will run designs past them to get their opinions and things, but they’re very much under secrecy not to tell people about it,” he said. “If it’s done anonymously then it’s about the sign, it kind of adds to the fun.”
Made from painted plywood and topped with custom vinyl lettering, the signs are installed using cable ties so they can be easily removed without damage.
Sustainability is a key part of the project, with materials chosen to be recyclable and reusable.
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Unlike traditional graffiti, the signs are placed in a way that avoids interfering with traffic or cluttering busy areas. Most are found on footpaths, near rivers, in quiet parks, or along cycle routes, where passers-by can take a moment to enjoy them without distraction.
Glasgow has a long-standing reputation for public art and murals, and recently hosted the UK’s first major exhibition of Banksy’s work. While this new artist admires Banksy, he says his approach is different.
“I love Banksy’s work, but this is more about subtle moments of silliness and connection,” he said.
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Among the signs already placed around the city, some of the artist’s favourites include a Doctor Who-themed design beside a police box, a warning about pterodactyl nesting near the dome-shaped IMAX cinema, and a sign that depicts the OVO Hydro arena as a spaceship.
A few have even appeared outside the city, in places such as Largs and Bonnybridge, the latter known as the UK’s UFO hotspot.
Some of his creations have gained attention online, with one in particular going viral on Instagram.
He said: “People post photographs of them on their own feeds and I noticed that one of them seems to have gone absolutely viral, so it’s got people from all over the world commenting on it,” he said.
Despite the guerrilla nature of the installations, he has never run into trouble. He says he would willingly remove any sign if asked.
Looking ahead, the artist hopes to take his signs further afield, with plans to visit Edinburgh during the city’s August festivals.