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Letters: Cunningham Remembered
from Signs of the Times magazine. December 1980, p. 14.
The sign business recently lost a great friend with the death of Chester
Cunningham. Because of the exposure given him by Signs of the Times, his
influence was felt throughout the nation, and possibly the world. No other
single individual did as much as Chester to raise the quality of design
in the commercial sign industry. He was often imitated, but seldom duplicated.
His genius with layout and color selection set him apart from every other
signman in the country, yet his humble attitude and willingness to share
made him a friend of the struggling beginner. Very few people in the sign
business possess the enthusiasm of a Chester Cunningham.
After admiring his work in ST, about six years ago I finally got
up enough courage to write Chet a letter, which I sent with some pictures
of my "attempts" at lettering. It was almost like a small boy writing
a fan letter to his favorite sports hero; never really expecting to receive
an answer. To my surprise, I received back a six-page letter and a stack
of pictures of Chester's work (for which he refused payment). He told
me of his background, theories of design, and procedures. Needless to
say, I was ecstatic. That began a correspondence that lasted until his
death.
I would send pictures and would receive comments on them and a group of
pictures of his recent designs. Through the years they have become dog-eared
and worn from all the study, providing me with an endless steam of ideas
and challenges. In telephone conversations he always encouraged and challenged
me to do my very best, giving hints and advice on how to solve certain
layout and color problems.
Chester did this for me and many others who were struggling along, trying
to learn the secrets of his abilities. He shared his knowledge openly;
never presenting himself as anything exceptional, but constantly striving
to improve himself and the sign business.
His letters were signed, "Your friend, Chet", and he was just that...a
friend, not only to me, but to hundreds of signmen across the country.
He will be greatly missed.
Raymond Chapman
Belco Signs
Harker Heights, TX