entry - American Sign Museum

Painted Atkinson Plate by Tim Wygal

Art

DescriptionThis is a hand-colored and hand-colored reproduction of Frank Atkinson's #42 plate from his early 20th century book, 'Sign Painting Up to Now', that was created by sign-maker Tim Wygall in the 1980s. Each plate from the Atkinson book was adopted by a member of the Letterheads group and re-created in color based on the book's descriptions. The colorized, updated Atkinson plates were published in Signs of the Times magazine over a period of 24 months beginning in 1987. In 1994, the color reproductions were collected and published as a book. Atkinson Panel No. 42 was selected and re-created by Tim Wygal, while working for ThoroughGraphic Signs, Lexington, KY. See also 2006.0005.0002

Painted Atkinson Plate by Tim Wygal picture number 1

Painted Atkinson Plate by Tim Wygal picture number 2

Painted Atkinson Plate by Tim Wygal picture number 3

Entry/Object ID

2006.0005.0001

Artwork Details

Medium

GroundAcrylicWood

Subject

A vertically-oriented composition that is mainly composed of dark yellow/gold linework on a black background with a single large red letter emerging through. The main motif is central, has a black background, and dark yellow linework (detailed with a medium tan/brown shade) that is reminiscent of Art-Nouveau-style floral designs. From the dark yellow linework, a centralized block-letter styled red letter emerges; the red letter having a black outline and extended out on the left and right of the central motif.