You can take the Retro Roadmapping gal out of her natural habitat, but you can’t stop her from looking for cool old vintage things and places, even when she’s in…Ireland!
Though I was surrounded by buildings and statues that were so old they make my niche of a timeline (vaguely 1900-1970s) look positively new-born, I still could not help but snap a photo or two of something I’d consider Retro Roadmap worthy.
Like the Why Go Bald? sign in Dublin, Ireland!
Known as Mr. W.G.B. (Why Go Bald) he’s the mascot of Universal Hair & Scalp Clinic. Built in 1962, it has been seen in the background of movies like “Educating Rita” and “A Man of No Importance.”
At the end of the 21st century the sign was almost dismantled and dumpstered, but thankfully was restored in 1999 free of charge by Taylor Signs, the family owned company who originally built it.
Reported to be Bono’s favorite Dublin landmark, I prefer the eloquent storytelling Tom Matthews (cartoonist for the Irish Times) as he describes his fondness for the sign throughout the years. Check out the video below from Storymap for his tales and a view of the animated neon landmark in action.
Why Go Bald Sign at the Universal Hair & Scalp Clinic
3 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)1 6793618
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Love it. Should it be Why O’Bald?
Indeed!
I can’t believe anyone considered trashing this sign. I’m so happy it was saved!
Me too!
My Dear Retro Roadmap Readers –
In an effort to reduce comment spam by bots on my site, I’ve closed the comments on this post.
But the last thing I want to see happen is that it stops the conversation on this topic, especially if you have something you want to add!
So if you want to comment on this post all you have to do is email me at modbetty AT retroroadmap DOT com and let me know what you want to say and what post it goes with. I’ll make sure your info gets matched up and added to the conversation!
Thanks for understanding!
Your hostess, Mod Betty