Alabama Theatre Sign – Illustrated Birmingham Canvas Print

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Alabama Theatre Sign – Illustrated Birmingham Canvas Print by Mark Tisdale

This Birmingham canvas print features an illustrated depiction of the Alabama Theatre sign that hangs over the engrance to the 1920’s building. It’s design is part of the original fabric of the historic building. In fact there were originally two of these signs, one over the front entrance and one over the stage entrance on the side of the building. That second sign was removed in the 1950’s but a replica has recently been installed returning the old Alabama Theatre to its original appearance.

The design on this Alabama theatre sign print is based on schematics done by the Historic American Building Survey in the 1990s. Documenting the fabric of the building was part of an ongoing survey of historic buildings done by the US Government. Their schematics documenting the sign and the various elevations of the Alabama Theatre reminded me of vintage blueprints. That was all of the inspiration I needed and I decided that creating vintage style plans for the sign would be a fabulous way to present this piece of vintage Birmingham artwork. This illustration includes the green and red colors of the Alabama Theatre sign. You can almost imagine someone presenting this design to the financiers of the Alabama Theatre back in the 1920s.

I love vintage signs. There’s just something about the sweeping style of them. And clearly many of us feel the same after all they are still copying these types of designs in modern movie theater signs today. There’s just something epic about those larger than life lighted letters. And each of these old signs has a character of its own.

I would love to hear what attracts you to this Birmingham canvas print? Are you a current or former resident? Or do you just love vintage signs like this? Perhaps you’ve never lived in Birmingham itself but like that this sign says Alabama on it? My family has roots in Alabama as well but no close family call Birmingham home. For my part I like classic signage so this ticks multiple boxes for me, too. If you have thoughts or questions about this artwork, I hope you’ll send me a message.

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