The Skipping Girl, affectionately known as Little Audrey, has been skipping above Victoria Street in Abbotsford for generations. First appearing in 1936, she became one of Melbourne’s most beloved neon landmarks, glowing above the Nycander & Co vinegar factory and advertising the company’s famous Skipping Girl Vinegar.
Designed by artist Jim Minogue, who would later create Melbourne’s iconic Nylex Clock, the original sign was one of the city’s earliest animated neon signs. At night, the illuminated skipping rope moved through a sequence of positions, creating the magical illusion that Little Audrey was actually skipping above the rooftops.
But in 1968, the original sign disappeared when the vinegar factory was demolished and the company moved to Altona. The loss sparked a public outcry, and local businessman John Benjamin led the campaign to bring her back. In 1970, a slightly smaller and updated version was installed on the roof of the nearby Crusader Plate factory, where Little Audrey still skips today.
More than a neon advertisement, Little Audrey became a landmark for generations of Melburnians. She marked the way home, lit up the night sky and became part of the visual fabric of inner Melbourne.
This Suburban Icons print celebrates one of Melbourne’s most enduring signs, capturing Little Audrey as she continues her endless skip above Abbotsford.
There are two versions of this artwork in the store - one with the Skipping Girl title, and one without.
The Skipping Girl, affectionately known as Little Audrey, has been skipping above Victoria Street in Abbotsford for generations. First appearing in 1936, she became one of Melbourne’s most beloved neon landmarks, glowing above the Nycander & Co vinegar factory and advertising the company’s famous Skipping Girl Vinegar.
Designed by artist Jim Minogue, who would later create Melbourne’s iconic Nylex Clock, the original sign was one of the city’s earliest animated neon signs. At night, the illuminated skipping rope moved through a sequence of positions, creating the magical illusion that Little Audrey was actually skipping above the rooftops.
But in 1968, the original sign disappeared when the vinegar factory was demolished and the company moved to Altona. The loss sparked a public outcry, and local businessman John Benjamin led the campaign to bring her back. In 1970, a slightly smaller and updated version was installed on the roof of the nearby Crusader Plate factory, where Little Audrey still skips today.
More than a neon advertisement, Little Audrey became a landmark for generations of Melburnians. She marked the way home, lit up the night sky and became part of the visual fabric of inner Melbourne.
This Suburban Icons print celebrates one of Melbourne’s most enduring signs, capturing Little Audrey as she continues her endless skip above Abbotsford.
There are two versions of this artwork in the store - one with the Skipping Girl title, and one without.
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