I’ve spotted a growing movement on Instagram, and I seem to be part of it. Welcome to the Spanish community of retro typography hunters, who are acting fast to preserve Spain’s unlikely works of street art.

HOW THEY’RE STILL HERE

Everything produced in early- to mid-20th-century Spain was built to last. It was a time when small business owners believed that their businesses would be passed down generation after generation, so the initial, good investment in their facades, floors, furniture and signage was worthwhile.

Even the typography of their storefronts was designed to last, like timeless works of art that we can see for free. But, for many, these retro fonts are outdated and in decline. Those few vintage signs haven’t been replaced by adrenaline-fuelled trends are becoming a vulnerable time capsule to Spain’s mid-century high-streets, and here are 18 nostalgic souls on a mission to capture them all…

Alberto Graco – Madrid

Zaragoza Letters – Zaragoza

Typofilia – all around Spain

Tipos de Madrid – Madrid

Storefront BCN – Barcelona

Sevilla Tipo – Seville

Santatipo – Cantabria

Retreros – Madrid

Retolsrotuls – Barcelona

Reliquias de Madrid – Madrid

Madrid ye ye – Madrid and around Spain

Ignacio Buhigas – all around Spain

Rótulos & Letreros – Barcelona

Pamplona_Iruña – Pamplona

Historia tipografica Madrid – Madrid

Fetenletters – Madrid

Carril___Conga – Madrid

Barcelona Tipo – Barcelona

El Dafont Boquerón – Malaga

These Instagram historians are doing a wonderful job of capturing Spain’s old facades and typefaces, yet despite all of our combined efforts to preserve them, they may well end up in this signage cemetery. But, imagine this: the nostalgic typography trend booms and suddenly, preserving old classics is the norm. In the future, it might save us a trip to the past, and there’s one rising artist hoping to do just that.

Tom Graham, the Brit behind Freehand Madrid is reviving the art of hand-painted storefront typography. Perhaps Tom, you, me and these 18 Instagram heroes can preserve Spain’s vanishing retro typography forever. So, what do you say, shall we ride the wave? Here’s a hashtag to get you started: #tiposcallejeros