T-Shirt
Object number2022.10.1
Manufacturer
Steel City
Datec. 2019
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumCotton; Fabric; Ink
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
DescriptionShort sleeve gray cotton blend t-shirt, size XS. Crew neckline. Front has screen-printed black and red decoration comprised of black graphic of Pittsburgh Dad wearing eyeglasses, flannel shirt, and apron and holding a fish sandwich on a plate in his left hand and a sign in his right hand with red text; behind man are church buildings in black; graphic is surrounded by black circle with text above and below. DimensionsHeight x Width: 27 x 28.75 in. (68.6 x 73 cm)InscriptionsFront of shirt has screen printed red and gray text "PITTSBURGH DAD'S / FISH FRY".
Front of shirt has printed red text on sign the man is holding in his right hand " "THIS COUNTS" / AS / CHURCH".
MarksInside back of shirt at top center is black and gray printed text "XS / STEEL / CITY / FOR / Pittsburgh / Dad / PRESHRUNK COTTON BLEND / [care instructions] / DESIGNED & PRINTED IN / PITTSBURGH, PA".
Historical NotesThis Pittsburgh Dad “Fish Fry T-shirt,” first offered on-line circa 2018, was acquired as part of an effort to collect objects that illustrate the popularity and cultural meaning of the Lenten “fish fry season” here in Western Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Dad T-shirt picks up on themes that local YouTube content producer Curt Wootton has explored in his online video series going back to 2013: the connection of the tradition to the Catholic Church, parishioners, and private citizens doing the cooking, and the way people regard the fish fry sandwich as a local “icon.” In such connections, the T-shirt also illustrates the role that the Internet and social media have played in popularizing the fish fry tradition beyond faith communities and into a wider secular populace.
Related person
Curt Wootton
Related person
Chris Preksta
On View
Not on view
Mervin Allen Corning
Edwin Garnet Riley
