Statues of giant Parisian snails are part of a new exhibition that's bringing the glamour of the French capital to Bendigo.
The golden escargot are actually street signs for a 19th century Paris snail merchant, a era when the city was full of inventive and artisanal signage.
"It was a real art to have these eye-catching slightly humorous, very beautiful signs, that were also sculptural pieces," said curator Lauren Ellis.
At the time, potential customers could not necessarily read, but still needed to know where to shop, she explained.
The snail sculptures have lasted much longer than their unfortunate counterparts inside the shop, and are now part of the renowned collection of the city's Musée Carnavalet.
Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 at the Bendigo Art Gallery will display more than 170 paintings, garments and artefacts, most of which have been loaned by the museum.
"It will feel like a little escape to Paris for an afternoon in Bendigo," said curator Lauren Ellis.
As well as artisanal shop signs, paintings by Belle Époque painter Jean Béraud, pointillist pioneer Paul Signac, and prints by Toulouse-Lautrec will be on display.
The exhibition is structured around the idea of a Parisian promenade, taking visitors along the river and through gardens and markets, to give a sense of how Parisian street life inspired so many artists.
"There's a real sense of how exciting it was, how many people were fascinated with observing the changing city around them," Ellis said.
Paris began a radical remodelling during the second half of the 19th century, with the demolition of medieval neighbourhoods and construction of the parks and wide avenues the city is known for today.
Bendigo has its own wide streets, and its regional gallery has a reputation for popular international shows, with Elvis and Marilyn Monroe exhibitions among recent attractions.
Ellis says the whole town gets involved, with local restaurants adapting menus around the exhibitions.
Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 goes on show in March 2024.
