Design

What’s Old is New Again

Phelps Marquee specializes in fabricating historical-style signage.

Published

6 years ago

November 3, 2020

Grant Freking Signs of the Times November 2020 Issue

BRETT PHELPS OF Phelps Marquee (San Diego) used to run a restoration business that refurbished cars from the ‘50s and ‘60s as well as old travel trailers, and has always been an admirer of old/vintage signage. After years in the restoration business, Phelps decided to construct an “old-looking ‘gas’ sign” and posted it for sale. A week later, a commercial real estate firm called and wanted to have a sign built for their newly remodeled building. “We met and struck a deal,” Phelps said. “After that job, I thought, ‘I have something here!’”

Now established as Phelps Marquee, the company builds “interior/exterior, 1940’s to 1950’s kitschy Americana-style stuff,” according to Phelps, and specializes in turning company logos into historical-style signage. Working with designers, business owners and private collectors, Phelps Marquee has delivered its distinctive historical/vintage signage throughout the US and Europe.

PHOTO GALLERY ( 3 IMAGES)

Grant Freking

Grant Freking is Signs of the Times' Managing Editor. Contact him at [email protected].

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