The Lights of the Mill City
Minneapolis grew up around St. Anthony Falls. The river powered the mills that made this the Mill City, and the businesses that grew up here announced themselves in light. Three of those signs still glow along the riverfront today: Gold Medal Flour above the old mill district, Grain Belt Beer on Nicollet Island, and North Star Blankets on the former North Star Woolen Mill. Flour, beer, and wool, three things this city made, written in neon over the water.
I photographed all three from a distance with a long lens, at the same level as the signs rather than looking up from the street, so each one reads straight on, the way you'd see it from across the river. Grain Belt was captured with its lights fully lit, before a stretch of its bulbs went dark. North Star Blankets and Gold Medal Flour were photographed for this edition and have never been offered anywhere else.
Why Three Panels
Each sign is iconic on its own, but together they tell the story of the riverfront. Red on both ends with the green of Grain Belt at the center, the set balances as a single piece of wall art. Because the panels are separate, you can arrange them to fit your space: a classic row above a sofa or bed, a triangle over a console, a stepped stagger along a long wall, or a vertical stack in a hallway or stairwell.
Printed on Metal
Neon belongs on metal. The image is infused into aluminum, which gives the blacks real depth and makes the light seem to glow from inside the print. Each panel arrives ready to hang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy just one of the three prints?
Not during this edition. Mill City Neon is offered only as a complete set of three, and North Star Blankets and Gold Medal Flour are available only in this set.
What happens after December 31?
The edition closes permanently. If fewer than 10 sets have sold, the edition stays at that number. This set will never be reprinted as a signed limited edition.
How is each set signed and numbered?
Each panel is hand-signed and numbered on the back, and every set includes a signed certificate of authenticity.
Why does the price go up?
Edition pricing rewards early collectors. Sets #1-3 are offered at the opening price, and the price increases after every three sets sell. The final set is priced highest.
How much wall space do I need?
In a straight row with 2" gaps, the set is about 58" wide and 18" tall. As a vertical stack it is about 18" wide and 58" tall. A triangle is about 38" wide and 38" tall.
How do I hang it?
Each metal print arrives ready to hang with mounting hardware attached.
Is the Grain Belt print the same one sold elsewhere on this site?
No. The Grain Belt panel in this set is a new edit, refined and color-matched to the other two signs so all three hang as one cohesive piece.
When will my set ship?
Each set is printed, signed, and numbered to order. Please allow 5-8 business days for your set to be prepared before it ships. Shopping for the holidays? Order by December 9 for the best chance of delivery before Christmas.
Can I return a limited edition?
Because each set is signed, numbered, and produced to order, all limited edition sales are final and cannot be returned. If your set arrives damaged, contact me within 7 days of delivery with photos of the damage and packaging, and I'll replace the damaged print at no cost to you.
Mill City Neon is independent fine art photography of public landmarks. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the owners of the Gold Medal Flour, Grain Belt, or North Star brands.
