Vintage New York City Subway Signs

1920s–1980s

Tod Lange, Douglas Grotjahn

$90

Hardback

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English

Miscellaneous
01 August 2025

Photographic chronicle of the history and evolution of New York subway signage, covering porcelain, wood, tin, and mosaic signs from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Vintage New York City Subway Signs: 1920s1980s features over 350 historic photographs, chronicling the evolution of subway signs from the 1920s to the 1980s. Each image showcases the craftsmanship and cultural significance of these transit artifacts and rare collectibles. This book is an invaluable resource for architects, designers, urban planners seeking inspiration from New York City's unique design heritage, local historians, and collectors. With detailed descriptions and historical insights, it provides a look into the functional and aesthetic evolution of subway signage. Renowned transit photographer Douglas Grotjahn contributes his extensive archive of 35 mm Kodachrome color slides, as well as some black-and-white images, offering a vivid portrayal of the city's transit history.

Features: .

Over 350 historic photographs of subway signage, with captions .

Coverage of porcelain, wood, tin, and mosaic signs .

Detailed descriptions and historical context for each sign type .

Rare and unpublished images from private collections and the New York Transit Museum .

Photographs that capture the essence of life in past decades of American history, creating a vivid time capsule of New York City's neighborhoods .

Foreword by Douglas Grotjahn, renowned transit photographer and historian

Vintage New York City Subway Signs: 1920s1980s captures the essence of New York City's subway system as more than just a mode of transportation, but as a canvas for great art. Highlighting the diversity and craftsmanship of subway signs, Lange reflects on their historical significance and cultural impact. His narrative transports readers through the golden era of New York City's transit history, where signs served not only as directional guides but as distinctive symbols of the city's identity.

AUTHOR: Tod Lange is a collector of vintage advertising and NYC subway signs and works in the antiques/collectibles market. His photo archive is one of the largest on transit history from the early 1900s through the 1980s. This is Tod's fourth book on the NYC subway system. He lives in Pennsylvania with his family.

By: Tod Lange
Foreword by: Douglas Grotjahn
Imprint: Miscellaneous
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 279mm,
Weight: 1.365kg
ISBN: 9780764369209
ISBN 10: 0764369202
Pages: 292
Publication Date: 01 August 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Tod Lange is a collector of vintage advertising and NYC subway signs and works in the antiques/collectibles market. His photo archive is one of the largest on transit history from the early 1900s through the 1980s. This is Tod’s fourth book on the NYC subway system. He lives in Pennsylvania with his family.

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Vintage New York City Subway Signs

1920s–1980s

Tod Lange, Douglas Grotjahn

$90

Hardback

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