A remarkable survivor of early 20th-century street evangelism, this bold hand-painted placard once proclaimed its message to passersby outside Elim Hall, a Pentecostal church in Glasgow. At some point in its lifetime, it was mounted on a pole (since removed), likely held aloft by a preacher or supporter during open-air missions.

Stylistically and contextually, this piece is likely from the 1920s or 1930s, and intriguingly, it bears the name Mr. W. Hagan — possibly the Irish evangelist William Hagan, known to be active during that period. His reputation for rousing sermons and travelling ministry aligns with the fervour captured in this placard's commanding typography.

Time has left its mark: the surface is beautifully weathered, with peeling edges, creases, and age-stained paper revealing the urgency and rough-hewn charisma of its message. The red border still clings defiantly to the frame, and the all-caps black lettering hasn’t lost its voice: “YOU CAN BE SAVED. COME & HEAR MR W. HAGAN TELL HOW. ELIM HALL TONIGHT.”

A rare and evocative piece of folk religious history, ideal for collectors of vernacular typography, social history, or outsider art.

92cm x 62cm