Hollywood Signs

The Golden Age of Glittering Graphics and Glowing Neon

by Kathy Kikkert

Step back in time and experience the vibrant, eye-catching world of mid-century Hollywood with this stunning illustrated book celebrating vintage signs. Set above iconic theaters, classic restaurants, and bustling boulevards, these glowing masterpieces illuminated the streets and storefronts of the city of dreams. Filled with more than 300 images, Hollywood Signs: The Golden Age of Glittering Graphics and Glowing Neon highlights the most memorable examples from this golden era of design.

Hollywood Signs demonstrates that signage is more than functional; it’s a work of art in its own right. Vintage and contemporary color images of world-famous signs, such as the enormous neon dragons of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the neon Brown Derby hat, demonstrate the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that went into each and every design. Hollywood Signs takes readers on a visual tour of some of Hollywood’s hottest locales, including the world-famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, and iconic Sunset Boulevard.

Hollywood Signs is a monument to the creativity and craftsmanship of these glowing works of art. With its rich images and fascinating history, this book is a must-have for fans of vintage design, neon art, and the glamor of old Hollywood.

176 pages
9"h x 9"w
500+ images
hardcover; ISBN 978-1-62640-125-9; $40.00

(This book will be available in retail stores August 15, 2023 -- order now to receive your copy as soon as copies come off the presses!)

About the author and designer:

Kathy Kikkert is a graphic designer specializing in book design, restaurant branding, and illustration. Her enduring love of mid-century style, design, and humor began as a child in New Jersey watching I Love Lucy. From there, she developed a fascination with typography, illustration, and signs. Before moving to Hollywood, she was an art director at Doubleday and book designer at Simon and Schuster in New York. Her retro-modern flair is expressed in the books, brands, and signs she has designed. She has a BA in Art History from New York University and has been photographing vintage neon signs for over twenty years.