Storybook Gardens Billboard, Lake Delton — John Margolies, 1988

Photographed by John Margolies in 1988, this colorful image documents the Storybook Gardens billboard in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. A large smiling clown rises above a white picket-fence-shaped sign, combining oversized yellow ears, a bright red nose, blue collar, and red polka-dot costume with bold “STORYBOOK GARDENS” lettering.

Dense green foliage and a brilliant blue sky surround the weathered roadside advertisement, while its hand-painted surfaces, fading directional message, fencing, and supporting structure preserve the character of the original setting. Both playful and documentary, the photograph is a distinctive record of American roadside attractions, vintage commercial signage, and late-twentieth-century tourism culture.

Artwork Details

• Artist: John Margolies
• Title: Storybook Gardens billboard, Lake Delton, Wisconsin
• Original title: Storybook Gardens billboard, Lake Delton, WIsconsin
• Series: John Margolies Roadside America photograph archive (1972–2008)
• Date: 1988
• Period: Late 20th century
• Place of Origin: Lake Delton, Wisconsin, United States
• Medium: Color transparency, 35 mm slide format

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.