Clyde Sellers Wooden & Metal Signkit with Supplies
Name/Title
Clyde Sellers Wooden & Metal Signkit with SuppliesEntry/Object ID
2014.0002.0001Description
Sign kit is painted wood with metal corners on all seams. Metal shelves/trays--including some brass--of various sizes with metal handles. Two sizes of square metal container with screw-in metal caps for mineral spirits ad other liquids. Kit includes a number of brushes and other sign-related tools and materials. Removable front drops in from top and has hospital floorplan pasted inside--presumably for a frequent customer.Context
The sign kit belonged to Clyde Sellers, a well-known Chicago area sign painter and designer. Sellers began his career as an apprentice at Seelander & Swanson Sign Company. Seven years later, he met Tom Cavanaugh--a top rate pictorial and gold man. They jointly established Cavanaugh & Sellers, Inc.in Homewood, IL. The two sold their company to Irwin-Peterson Sign Company, staying on for several years. Sellers then went to work at Beverly Sign Studios/Beverly Outdoor Adv. in 1957 at its original location on South 80th and Halsted Streets. He was hired to do window gilding, but transferred to the inside studio, doing a variety of commercial sign work. He later moved to the design department, where he did sketches for 15 years before retiring in 1988 when Beverly closed its doors. Sellers freelanced throughout his life at Chicago area sign shops and display houses, including Pretschold Studios, Marx Sign Company, Midway Exhibits, M.D. Price Sign Studios and the in-house shop of the Merchandise Mart.Collection
Permanent CollectionCategory
Tools/Equipment, Materials/Supplies