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| Atkinson Pages by Mike Jackson |
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Frank Atkinson's Books
Both then and now, original Atkinson books are prized pieces in most sign makers libraries. The old ones are often worn and spattered with paint and fingerprints—a testament to their day to day use.
Frank Atkinson wrote four different books, however several of them had additional reprints. In some cases the books are slightly different—some larger or smaller.
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Atkinson Sign Painting
Actually, this book goes by several names. The wording on the front and spine identifies it as Atkinson Sign Painting. The first inside page shows it as Atkinson Sign Painting Up to Now.
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| You may also hear it called The Art of Sign Painting, by Frank Atkinson. The book was first printed in 1909, followed by reprints in 1915, 1929, and 1937. These were published by Frederick J. Drake & Company, Chicago, IL. It was reissued in 1983 by Signs of the Times Publishing Co, Cincinannati, OH
The 1915 edition contained additional plates not in the original called "Outdoor Display Section". The 1915 edition was printed in two sizes: 10" x 13" and 9.25" x 12". The 1983 reprint is the same size as the smaller version.
This was a very popular book and could be found in almost any sign shop of the day.
During the mid-80s, in a project headed by Gary Anderson, craftsmen reproduced the black and white designs in the Atkinson book into actual sign pieces. Signs of the Times included two or three color plates in each issue over a couple of year time span and in 1987, they printed a book titled The Atkinson Plates, Reproduced in Color. ISBN 0-94409-0-X
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| A Show at ShoCards, by Atkinson and Atkinson
Originally published in 1912, this book features a beautiful front cover. The book was reprinted in 1913. Interestingly, it was printed again in 1929 by the same Frederick J. Drake and Co., but there is no reference to the earlier editions in the title pages.
The authors are listed as: F.H Atkinson & G.W. Atkinson.
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| It is not known whether G.W. Atkinson was Frank's brother, nor are any of the plates inside the book signed, so we don't know much about his contribution to the book.
The book features several alphabets and numerous airbrushed style showcard examples, in the Atkinson style. The 1929 reprint was slightly smaller and thinner, though it appears all the original plates are included.
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Atkinson's Scene Painting and Bulletin Art
Frank Atkinson was an accomplished mural and wall painter. This book, printed in 1927 by Frederick J. Drake and Co. is a much more technical offering. Illustrations are geared more towards human anatomy and the drafting arts dealing with perspective and stage design.
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| This book is probably on the shelves of many sign book collectors, but unlike the creative designs in his other three books, it probably doesn't get read and used as much. |
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| Atkinson's Last and Final Book on Sign Art
Stanley Ruff is credited with publishing this book in 1950, six years prior to Frank's death. The small line at the bottom of the sign on the easel says:
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| "Jam Full of Know How". The book contains several Atkinson alphabets, but very few Atkinson designs. Most plates were done by Denver sign artist John Ohnimus (many of those plates were also in Henderson Sign Painter) Of all his books, this one probably has the most informative text section. It is loaded with tips and techniques. |
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Additional Frank Atkinson Pages:
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This page updated 9/16/2004
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