Photographic chronicle of the history and evolution of New York subway signage, covering porcelain, wood, tin, and mosaic signs from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Foreword by renowned transit photographer and historian Douglas Grotjahn

Vintage New York City Subway Signs: 1920s–1980s features over 350 historic photographs, chronicling the evolution of subway signs from the 1920s to the 1980s. Each image showcases the craftsmanship and cultural significance of these transit artifacts and rare collectibles.This book is an invaluable resource for architects, designers, urban planners seeking inspiration from New York City's unique design heritage, local historians, and collectors. With detailed descriptions and historical insights, it provides a look into the functional and aesthetic evolution of subway signage. Renowned transit photographer Douglas Grotjahn contributes his extensive archive of 35 mm Kodachrome color slides, as well as some black-and-white images, offering a vivid portrayal of the city's transit history.

Features:

  1. Over 350 historic photographs of subway signage, with captions
  2. Coverage of porcelain, wood, tin, and mosaic signs
  3. Detailed descriptions and historical context for each sign type
  4. Rare and unpublished images from private collections
  5. Photographs that capture the essence of life in past decades of American history, creating a vivid time capsule of New York City's neighborhoods
  6. Foreword by Douglas Grotjahn, renowned transit photographer and historian

Vintage New York City Subway Signs: 1920s–1980s captures the essence of New York City's subway system as more than just a mode of transportation, but as a canvas for great art. Highlighting the diversity and craftsmanship of subway signs, Lange reflects on their historical significance and cultural impact. His narrative transports readers through the golden era of New York City's transit history, where signs served not only as directional guides but as distinctive symbols of the city's identity.

In stock

SKU 2-1847

Description / Vintage New York City Subway Signs : 1920s–1980s Book

Photographic chronicle of the history and evolution of New York subway signage, covering porcelain, wood, tin, and mosaic signs from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Foreword by renowned transit photographer and historian Douglas Grotjahn

Vintage New York City Subway Signs: 1920s–1980s features over 350 historic photographs, chronicling the evolution of subway signs from the 1920s to the 1980s. Each image showcases the craftsmanship and cultural significance of these transit artifacts and rare collectibles.This book is an invaluable resource for architects, designers, urban planners seeking inspiration from New York City's unique design heritage, local historians, and collectors. With detailed descriptions and historical insights, it provides a look into the functional and aesthetic evolution of subway signage. Renowned transit photographer Douglas Grotjahn contributes his extensive archive of 35 mm Kodachrome color slides, as well as some black-and-white images, offering a vivid portrayal of the city's transit history.

Features:

  1. Over 350 historic photographs of subway signage, with captions
  2. Coverage of porcelain, wood, tin, and mosaic signs
  3. Detailed descriptions and historical context for each sign type
  4. Rare and unpublished images from private collections
  5. Photographs that capture the essence of life in past decades of American history, creating a vivid time capsule of New York City's neighborhoods
  6. Foreword by Douglas Grotjahn, renowned transit photographer and historian

Vintage New York City Subway Signs: 1920s–1980s captures the essence of New York City's subway system as more than just a mode of transportation, but as a canvas for great art. Highlighting the diversity and craftsmanship of subway signs, Lange reflects on their historical significance and cultural impact. His narrative transports readers through the golden era of New York City's transit history, where signs served not only as directional guides but as distinctive symbols of the city's identity.

We found other products you might like!

Navigating through the elements of the carousel is possible using the tab key. You can skip the carousel or go straight to carousel navigation using the skip links.
Kids 5 Train Baseball Hat
$24.00
Subway Logo N Train Ornament
$19.95
Mug GCT Train Show Tall
$16.95
GM Bus 8466 pin
$1.50
Toddler Tee J Train (Queens to Manhattan)
As low as $21.00
Subway Logo Q Train Ornament
$19.95
Magnet Columbia University
$5.95
Y-cut Large 1970 Token Silver Plate Keyring
$65.00
Conductor Bear MetroCard Dangle Keychain
$5.50
New York City Cut Out Book
$16.99
Frequently bought together
Subway T-Shirt D Train (Bronx to Brooklyn)
As low as $27.95
Locomotive Wooden Kit-Set
$16.95
Baby NYC Subway Map Bucket Hat
$32.50
2020 Urban Delights MTA Arts & Design Poster
$20.00
Subway T-Shirt R Train (Queens to Brooklyn)
As low as $27.95
Subway T-Shirt 1 Train (Uptown and the Bronx)
As low as $27.95
MetroCard Totebag
$36.00
Adult K Train Baseball Hat
$28.00