One of the things that makes the sign and graphics industry unique is the appreciation for history, often handed down through multiple generations of the same family. ISA’s Kenny Peskin, director of industry programs, is among them. His family business, Peskin Sign, was founded by his great- grandfather and his brothers in 1915, and operated by his father until about eight years ago. Kenny, with an appreciation of all facets of sign craft, grabbed about 100 sign sketches out of blueprint drawers when the company closed. Some were hung on walls, others gifted to friends whose families own those businesses. Among the sketches: a few original Arby’s—Peskin Sign developed the signature hat in 1964—Sparkle Markets, an Ohio-based supermarket chain, local banks, motels, bowling alleys, and car dealerships.
Recently, some of those were on display at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati as part of its special exhibition, “Back to the Drawing Board,” on view through June 11. The exhibit also includes art from other collectors and sign companies, including ISA member companies Ad-Art, Heath & Co. (now Federal Heath), Flexlume and Lackner (now Holthaus Lackner). Here are Kenny’s impressions after visiting the exhibit, which featured sign sketches from 1925-1975, including an entire display from Peskin Sign.
It’s been eight years since my dad retired and the shop closed and its been 20 years since my grandpa died. Fewer and fewer people know anything about Peskin Sign, except for an occasional mention when an old Arby’s sign is removed. I’m glad that they will be mentioned again. At least until the exhibit closes in June.
One other thing that I’m also very excited about how the art is displayed and attributed. These sorts of sketches were sales proposals, unfinished drafts and subject to change. And almost always unsigned. The product wasn’t the art itself—it was the expensive sign that you hoped to sell by way of making that
sketch. Most sign companies threw away their old sketches as worthless junk. (Thank goodness my grandfather was both a poor immigrant and also a child of the depression. He saved EVERYTHING.)My dad remembered some of these projects from his childhood—but also knew how to identify certain flourishes and details that were “signatures” of a specific artist. And many of these sketches were drawn by my great-uncle Bill Peskin. My grandfather and great-uncle worked together for about 15 years, growing into the business and then taking over from my great-grandfather. But like many families (and family businesses), they didn’t work well together. Eventually, my grandfather Marvin bought out Bill.
Peskin Sign continued for another 60 years under Marvin’s family. And Bill moved on, eventually resettling in California. He has been gone for more than 40 years. But I was able to ask for them to attribute those sketches he drew to be displayed under his name. And they agreed. Hopefully this work will continue to be seen after the exhibit closes; the museum is talking about maybe publishing an exhibition book or creating an online archive of sign sketches.