Toronto Graphic Heritage is an archival initiative launched in 2018 to document the city’s rich visual history through its historical signage, commercial lettering, and ephemeral print culture. As Toronto’s streetscapes undergo rapid redevelopment, this project serves as a digital platform dedicated to preserving the spatial identity and visual markers of our shared built environment.
What is Graphic Heritage?
Design researcher Dr. Robert G. Harland defines urban graphic heritage as any object "through which people experience and are informed about urban heritage in graphic form."
In practice, graphic heritage encompasses the everyday visual artifacts that define the city's character; historical storefronts, hand-painted ghost signs, custom typography, printed flyers, and distinct architectural details. Together, these elements reflect the shifting cultural and economic forces that have physically shaped Toronto over time.
Explore the Archive
Originally established as a localized archival effort to document Toronto's iconic commercial signage, the project has expanded into an ongoing study of the city's broader graphic ecosystem.
Follow @GraphicHeritageTO on Instagram for regular archival features, design histories, and architectural context behind the visual details that define Toronto.