Sign, Advertising
Sign, Advertising
Sign, Advertising

Sign, Advertising

Object number2019.18.4 a,b
Date1991-2019
MediumPlywood; Wood; Paint; Metal; Adhesive
Credit LineGift of Steve Zumoff
DescriptionTwo-piece painted wooden sign. Front of sign's plywood backer is painted blue with yellow around the perimeter. Perimeter is cut with a wavy edge. Front of sign has three-dimensional painted wood letters that are set out from the backer with wooden dowels; the letters are colorful and made of varying shapes. Front of backer has colorful wooden shapes mounted on surface. Back is painted white.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a-b together): 28.375 x 157 x 6.125 in. (72.1 x 398.8 x 15.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a): 28.375 x 78 x 6.125 in. (72.1 x 198.1 x 15.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 28 x 80 x 6 in. (71.1 x 203.2 x 15.2 cm)
Inscriptions(a-b)
The two parts of the sign together read "BEEHIVE".

(a)
Front has three-dimensional letters reading "BEE".

(b)
Front has three-dimensional letters reading "HIVE".
Marks(a)
Back has black stamped text in the bottom proper right corner "APA / B-C / 15/32... / GROUP 1 / EXTERIOR / 281 / ..."

(b)
Back has black stamped text to the proper right of center, parts are illegible: "NOV-90 / MILL / 201 / ..."
Historical NotesThis sign hung above the front door of the Beehive Coffeehouse. The Beehive Coffeehouse, located at 1327 E. Carson Street was a South Side institution for 28 years. It opened in 1991 at the nascent end of a developing coffee shop culture that would soon proliferate in urban centers throughout the country. It was one of the first coffee shops in Pittsburgh. For many years it served as a gathering place for local artists that lived in the neighborhood that often worked there as well. Co-owners Steve Zumoff and Scott Kramer cited rising rents, increased competition, and low sales as the reason they were closing the shop. They also had a shop in Oakland that closed in 2002. The décor of the Beehive was made up of thrifted objects and pieces by local artists. The collection reflects the unique décor and atmosphere of the Beehive.
Related person
Related institution (1991 - 2018)
Related person
On View
Not on view
navigate_beforenavigate_next