Bill Mack Hollywood Signs

In 1923, a prominent group of investors prepared to develop a residential neighborhood called Hollywoodland. Among the investors were Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler and movie director Mack Sennett. To promote the development, Chandler hired contractor George Roche to build the world's largest sign. The letters of the sign spelled "HOLLYWOODLAND". The sign was built with telephone poles and barn roofing at a cost of $21,000.00. Holes were punched through the sign to help relieve stress caused by wind. Although it was intended to last for only two years, the sign survived to become a beloved part of American History.

In 1949, the City of Los Angeles entered into a maintenance agreement with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to preserve the sign. The last four letters were removed, and, for the first time, the sign simply spelled "HOLLYWOOD".

The entertainment industry expanded dramatically throughout the 1950's 1960's. During this period, the Hollywood sign became internationally recognized through its exposure in films, television, commercials, and the media. The sign's prominence and historical significance led the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Board to designate the Hollywood sign as a landmark in 1973. It was labeled as Cultural Historical Monument #111 by the board.

Throughout the 1970's, the Hollywood sign deteriorated badly. By 1978, the third O had fallen over, and the sign could no longer be repaired. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce launched the "Save the Sign" campaign with the help of several celebrities. None donors each sponsored a new letter to cover the cost of rebuilding the sign. The donors included Hugh Hefner, Gene Autry, Andy Williams, Alice Cooper and others. Over $250,000.00 was raised. Interestingly, Alice Cooper made his honor of Groucho Marx.

Hal Brown Jr., of the Pacific Outdoor Advertising Company, was contracted to rebuild the sign. The Hollywood sign was very personal to Brown because his uncle, George Roche, had built the original sign in 1923. Brown hired Cornelius Van Dam as the engineer responsible for designing the new Hollywood sign. Van Dam designed the new sign with a more durable structure, but the same dimensions as the original. The plans were approved by the City of Los Angeles, the Cultural Heritage Board, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The original, legendary Hollywood sign was taken down and construction of the replica sign began in August 1978. The new sign was unveiled in November 1978.

The original Hollywood sign was placed in a storage facility after it was taken down. No one was aware that the company hired to remove the sign had understood its historical significance and elected to store it rather than dispose of it as was planned. The sign remained in storage until it was purchased by noted collector of rare and unusual memorabilia, and renouned artist, Bill Mack in 2007. The artist intends to use the metal facing from the sign as canvas on which he will paint the likenesses of the great "movie stars"from the Golden Years Of Hollywood. It is this metal that was reveared by all the young actors and actresses that climbed Mount Lee to touch it and have pictures taken with it for luck, and as a right of passage into their new professions. And, it is this metal that will bring life to the legendary images that Bill Mack paints on it.

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	Hemingway by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Alluring(Audrey) by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Marilyn Legend in a Black Bathing Suit by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Audrey's Breakfast At Tiffanys by Bill mack Original Hollywood Sign

Marilyns Dress by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Frank Sinatra by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Rat Pack by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Redhead by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Marilyn X Youthful Legend by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Harlow by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Dean by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Dean of Cool by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Elvis by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Burning Love by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Cary Grant by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Chaney Phantom by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Grace Kelly by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Brando by Bill Mack Original Hollwood Sign	Katherine by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Legend by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Hollywood by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Blue Eyes by Bill mack Original Hollywood Sign

Legendary Blonde by Bill Mack Orignal Hollywood Sign	Love Goddess by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Marilyn by Bill Mack Original Hollwood Sign

Paul Newman by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	MM by Bill Mack Original Hollwood Sign	Audrey by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Wayne by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Rooster by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Vivien Leigh by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign

Bus Stop Legend by Bill Mack Original Hollywood Sign	Clark Gable by Billl Mack Original Hollywood Sign