Oliver Twist Ice Cream Sign — John Margolies

John Margolies photographed this oversized Oliver Twist ice cream sign in Royal Oak, Michigan, in 1986. Centered against a clear blue sky, the sign combines a chocolate-and-vanilla soft-serve swirl with a patterned cup, exposed framework, and blue lettering.

With almost all surrounding context removed, Margolies turns an everyday commercial sign into a graphic study of shape and color. White, chocolate brown, and bright blue dominate the photograph, while the sign’s playful construction reflects the distinctive roadside advertising that Margolies documented throughout the United States.

Artwork Details

• Artist: John Margolies
• Title: Oliver Twist ice cream sign, Royal Oak, Michigan
• Original title: Oliver Twist ice cream sign, Royal Oak, Michigan
• Series: John Margolies Roadside America Photograph Archive
• Date: 1986
• Period: Late 20th century
• Place of Origin: Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
• Medium: Color transparency

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.