Painted and carved wood (possibly walnut) made by Randon Eddy, co-founder of the Iris Club. The letters are deeply incised and painted white; the flower (iris) is painted yellow and the background is painted black. Hanging hooks are attached to the back.
Context
The Iris was a lesbian club that was open from 1980-1987. It was co-founded by Randon Eddy and Mercie Chick and was located at 40 Pleasant Street.
The iris flower gets its name from the Greek messenger goddess of the rainbow. The rainbow has been a prominent image within the LGBTQ+ community since 1978 with the first rainbow pride flag designed by Gilbert Baker, which debuted at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade.
Acquisition
Accession
2023.013
Source or Donor
Kaufhold, Tom
Acquisition Method
Donation
Credit Line
Gift of Tom Kaufhold
Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Eddy, Randon
Role
Artist
Date made
1980
Place
City
Portsmouth
State/Province
New Hampshire
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Dimensions
Height
35-3/4 in
Width
21 in
Depth
2 in
Material
Walnut, paint
Provenance
Notes
Found in a barn and given to Tom Kaufhold, who donated it to PHS.
