Charlie’s Diner Cowboy Sign — John Margolies

John Margolies photographed the unforgettable Charlie’s Diner sign on Route 11 in Leeds, Maine, in 1984. A sculptural cowboy rides a dramatically bucking horse above the diner’s bold roadside lettering, while a glowing red OPEN sign adds another layer of classic commercial character.

Set against a richly colored blue and cloud-filled sky, the towering sign becomes an expressive piece of roadside Americana. Margolies’ straightforward composition preserves the playful typography, sculptural advertising, neon, and larger-than-life imagery that once helped independent American restaurants capture the attention of passing motorists.

Artwork Details

• Artist/Creator: John Margolies
• Title: Charlie's Diner sign, Route 11, Leeds, Maine
• Original title: Charlie's Diner sign, Route 11, Leeds, Maine
• Series: John Margolies Roadside America Photograph Archive (1972–2008)
• Date: 1984
• Period: Late 20th-century American documentary photography
• Place of Origin: Leeds, Maine, United States
• Medium: Color transparency, 35 mm slide

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.