Joe Lyons | Collector + Curator

At a Glance

col·lec·tor + cu·ra·tor (/kəˈlektər//ˈkyo͝orˌādər,kyo͝oˈrādər,ˈkyo͝orədər/): A collector is a person who collects things of a specified type, professionally or as a hobby. Curators are in charge of a collection of exhibits in a museum or art gallery. Their job is to build up collections, often in specialist areas. Curators develop ways in which objects, archives and artworks can be interpreted, through exhibitions, publications, events and audio-visual presentations.

I've always had a passion for collecting. It started by collecting vinyl records, then tapes and CD's etc. as my music collection grew over the years. I would later get into collecting specific artist items, like rare tracks, concert posters, etc from Pearl Jam, Notorious B.I.G. and more. About a decade ago I started collecting vintage Boston signs and artifacts which are on display at my Boston design studio. Lastly, I am a huge collector of both common and hard to find Ralph Lauren pieces going back to the early 90's.

  • My vintage industrial collection was featured by Boston TV Show "Chronicle"
  • Bridgewater State quoted "some believe Spin350 is the home to the largest collection of authentic Boston signs"

“His office in Hyde Park’s Westinghouse Lofts is part workshop and equally cool sign museum.”

– Ted Reinstein, Chronicle

Who Knew: Joe Lyons, Sign Collector

For those who have been to the Spin350 design studio, you know about my massive sign collection. I collect local signs from years past and give them a new home in my studio space. I was so excited when Ted Reinstein from one of my favorite shows, Chronicle asked to do a story on my collection. We had a great time talking about history and looking at some of the highlights in my collection.

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