23 August 2026

I always thought as old neon signs go this one was a little small and unimpressive compared to say the Skipping Girl, but now its a very rare surviving neon and the story behind it is so interesting it’s now recommended for State heritage listing (as reported in The Age yesterday).

Nino Borsari was from central Italy, a cycling enthusiast and sportsman, and a member of the Italian Olympic team pursuit event that won gold at the 1932 games. He then toured the world competing, and came to Australia in the 30s and again in 1940, when the at broke out and he became an enemy alien. But his fame soared him from internment, and instead he opened a bike shop on the corner of Lygon and Grattan Streets. I think the small Italian community was already centred in Carlton, or maybe not, maybe his shop started the whole trend ? Anyway he did well, running it with wife Fanny, living upstairs, and put the sign up in the late 40s.

That was just before the post war migration really ramped up, with Italians pouring in through the 1950s, and cafes and delis opened up along Lygon Street. Borsari’s ‘emporium’ became a first stop for many, and the Borsari were leaders in the community. But he still loved his bicycles, and cars, and sport, and got involved in many related community activities.

The shop continued into the 90s, then became Italian cafes, but the family still own it. The shop building itself is nice, most remarkably still has its original cast iron verandah, curving round the corner, somehow surviving various removal programs in the 50s and 60s. I guess Nino just liked it !

All photos via The Age, Facebook, the heritage report, Carlton Community Heritage Group, and the internet.

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