A Retro Design: Hyattsville’s Handpainted Signs

Hyattsville handpainted signs Pyramid Atlantic

Hyattsville businesses are riding a retro trend popular among hip enclaves across the United States: handpainted signs.

Once the dominant form of retail signage, handpainted business names and murals dropped in popularity in the mid 20th century as mass-produced signs became cheaper and chain stores sought to standardize.

But in recent years, handpainted signs have made a comeback as a way of signifying that a store has unique, handcrafted goods.

Historical examples can be seen in downtown Hyattsville. “Hyattsville Hardware Co.” is emblazoned atop the Franklins toy store, while “Home of Low Prices | The Fair Shoe Store | Shoes That Satisfy” is painted on a building a few doors down.

Around the corner on Gallatin Street, “Pyramid Atlantic Art Center” has been painted on the Arcade building, while “Vigilante Coffee Company” has been painted to the old Model T showroom in the Palmer Building.

Even more recently is the newly painted lettering “The SoHy Arts Building” on the corner building which houses Tanglewood Works, Satchmoe Art Studio,  Three Little Birds Sewing Co., and Studio SoHy which Richmond sign artist Ross Trimmer @surehandsigns and an assistant painted to match a pre-existing mural. Meanwhile, farther south of downtown on Route 1, Shortcake Bakery has folksy lettering to match its pink-frosting exterior.

To round out the trend, there’s the “Handmade in Hyattsville” mural painted by Green Owl Design employee Briana Bailey just up Route 1 before the Arts District, a piece of public art that has quickly become an Instagram-friendly tourist spot.

For now, the trend is mostly in downtown Hyattsville, which makes sense given the area’s history. Bird Kitchen + Cocktails, a restaurant that closed recently in Mount Rainier, also had a handpainted sign, and it would be a good look for the upcoming Pennyroyal Station, among other local businesses.

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