We’ve been missing the Museum Of London since it closed, but before we know it, they’ll be back as the London Museum come 2026. And what better way to return than an exhibition of brilliant signs of businesses, old and new, from the capital?
London Museum are on the lookout for signs that can be displayed at their new home in, and they’ve just revealed that one such curiosity will be a beautiful sign from Fabric nightclub. Their new site will sit right by the beloved nightclub, and they’ll welcome a part of their neighbours into their home from the off.
The sign you’ll see is a beautiful piece that hung outside the nightclub to celebrate 20 years of Fabric back in 2019. It’ll sit permanently at the London Museum as part of the sign exhibit – fittingly titled ‘Hanging Out’.
Speaking on the news, Fabric co-founder, Cameron Leslie said: “We’re excited to welcome London Museum as our soon-to-be neighbours in Smithfield. As we gear up to celebrate our 25th anniversary later this year, it’s great to see the club recognised for the community we have built and the vital role we play in London – as both a cultural space and tireless champions of electronic music as an art-form. We’re looking forward to our continuing venture with London Museum and to formally taking up our residency when the new site opens in 2026.”
‘Hanging Out’ at the London Museum
On top of announcing the eye-catching Fabric piece, which comes after the announcement that Fabric would be the first nightclub-in-residence at the new spot, the London Museum also confirmed they’re on the lookout for signs to fill the permanent ‘Hanging Out’ installation.
These could celebrate any spot with ties to the city and the community its built, “from music venues, theatres and restaurants to nail salons, barbers, and beyond”. Community centres, sports venues, pubs, takeaways, and independent cinemas have also been listed as examples, and the London Museum aims to showcase the last 80 years of signs across the capital. If you own one or know of one that measures at least 50x50cm, it could be considered for the installation when the museum comes to open in 2026! Anyone who has a potential piece they would like to be on view at the new site is urged to email ourtime@londonmuseum.org.uk with details on their sign.
Beatrice Behlen, Senior Curator at London Museum, said: “fabric is truly at the heart of Smithfield’s creative pulse, so it’s a real privilege to be able to preserve a part of their history within our new museum. fabric epitomises the ethos of our Hanging Out installation which will celebrate the countless communities that exist within London through the spaces that bring them together.
“We’re still on the hunt to locate more signs from places that formed, or still form, the cultural hub for a community within the capital. Whether it’s a music venue, a sports club, a hairdressers, a café, or something else entirely, we’d love to hear from the people of London about which signs they think belong in our museum.”