Hollywood icon shows off a new coat
By Edwin Folven, 12/06/2012
Sign is refurbished prior to its 90th anniversary
The unveiling of the newly re-painted Hollywood Sign on Tuesday resembled a Tinseltown movie premiere as camera crews and photo journalists flocked to a hilltop mesa below the iconic sign to get photographs of the refurbished attraction.
The newly re-painted Hollywood sign was publicly unveiled on Tuesday. (photo by Edwin Folven)
The Hollywood Sign underwent a complete makeover beginning in October, with workers removing up to 10 coats of paint dating back to 1923, when the sign was originally erected. Crews later applied primer and more than 250 gallons of new reflective white paint donated by Sherwin-Williams, which also paid for a majority of the $175,000 project, along with contributions from the Hollywood Sign Trust.
Chris Baumgart, chairman of the Hollywood Sign Trust, said the project was completed just in time for the sign’s 90th anniversary next year.
“[We are] excited that Hollywood’s leading lady received two tons of makeup in time to celebrate her 90th birthday,” Baumgart said. “We thank Sherwin-Williams for participating in this public-private partnership to restore an American icon that is recognized as a symbol of hopes and dreams around the world.”
Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, added that the sign is an important part of Hollywood history.
“This sign is where people want to go,” he said. “This project has been great. It’s a very special day.”
