Bondi Pavilion has long been more than a landmark by the sea—it’s a place where generations have gathered, swum, celebrated, and written their own chapters in Bondi’s story. During its recent restoration, something unexpected was revealed: words from the past, carefully preserved beneath layers of paint.
As conservation teams worked to repair the building, they uncovered original hand-painted signage dating back decades. Among the discoveries were faded directions to the Turkish & Hot Sea Water Baths, the Bondi Junior Lifesaving Club (then known as the “Life Boys”), and the Pavilion’s central entry. Though incomplete and weathered, these signs are living fragments of memory, carrying voices from another time.
Letters that Spoke to a Community
These painted words are more than decoration—they are letters written in a different medium. Before the era of printing and neon, signwriters were artisans who used brush and paint to communicate, guide, and inspire. One such craftsman, local signwriter Bill Moseley, is believed to have painted lettering for the Pellicciari brothers’ gelato bar at the Pavilion, along with many other Bondi businesses. His work, like a handwritten note, carried personal skill and care—qualities we continue to celebrate today through the art of letter writing.
Preserving Stories for the Future
Specialists documented and stabilised these fragile signs, leaving them visible where possible so future generations can experience this unique record of community life. Much like letters kept in a drawer or shoebox, these painted remnants remind us that words—whether on paper or on walls—carry stories worth protecting.
Next time you visit Bondi Pavilion, pause and look closely. You may see faint traces of history, like letters from the past, still whispering stories of Bondi’s vibrant community.
On World Letter Writing Day, take inspiration from these painted words and write a letter of your own. Just like the signs on Bondi’s walls, your words could one day become part of history too.
World Letter Writing Day Founder Richard Simpkin Interview Studio 10
