Bondi Pavilion has always been more than just a building—it’s a place where generations of locals and visitors have gathered, swum, celebrated, and created memories. During the Pavilion’s recent restoration, something truly special was uncovered: faded signs from its past, hidden beneath layers of paint.
As conservation teams carefully stripped back old paintwork to repair cracks and strengthen the structure, they discovered original signage from decades gone by. Among the treasures were signs pointing to the Turkish & Hot Sea Water Baths, the Bondi Junior Lifesaving Club (once called the Life Boys), and the central entryway. Though incomplete and weathered, these signs are windows into the Pavilion’s many community roles over time.
To protect these discoveries, specialists traced and documented the signs, stabilising and leaving them visible wherever possible so that future generations can enjoy them too.
A Nod to Lost Craftsmanship
These painted remnants also tell the story of a once-thriving profession: signwriting. Long before digital printing, signwriters were skilled artisans who hand-painted lettering and advertisements onto buildings, shopfronts, and billboards. One such craftsman was local signwriter Bill Moseley. His family believes he painted the lettering for the Pellicciari brothers’ gelato bar at the Pavilion, along with many other Bondi businesses.
Preserving More Than Just Walls
The Pavilion’s restoration has done more than protect its structure—it has brought hidden layers of history to light. Each sign is a reminder of the craftsmanship, community spirit, and everyday life that has shaped Bondi over the decades.
So next time you visit Bondi Pavilion, take a closer look—you may just spot the faint traces of history etched into its walls, whispering stories of Bondi’s past.
