Hollywood Honeymoon, scene 3
by Jen Zahigian

About the Print:

I shot this photograph during my honeymoon roadtrip through California. We travelled up and down the state, and made it a priority to photograph the many sites we’re usually too busy to stop and see.

Wagon Wheel Bowling sits next to the Wagon Wheel Motel in Southern California. The western-themed Motel was decorated by a Hollywood set designer, and built from surplus military barracks. It used to contain amenities for a traveling family, including a miniature golf course, roller rink, and depending on who you ask, the best chicken dinner around.

Although the WW Bowl is still operational, the WW Motel is defunct and dilapidated. I’ve heard that both are scheduled for demolition, and are to be replaced by a large housing development.

I really like the rusty hues of this sign, and wanted to create a crisp, clean sky to showcase the grit and colorful marks that time has provided. In an age where most families cannot afford to venture on a summer vacation, I believe Motels like the Wagon Wheel have a valuable place in our cultural and architectural history. Their roadside signs continue to tell passers-by the story of an American era of family and travel that should be treasured.

By Jen Zahigian. The 10” x 15” is a metallic print. The 14” x 21” is an archival pigment print.

This print is no longer available from Wallblank. It is shown here (and will remain) for archive purposes.

Print Details:

Photograph

Our prints are made with the highest quality inks on the finest archival papers available. The size stated is the size of the paper; included is a minimum 1/4" border (often wider on 2 sides so the image isn't cropped) for ease of framing & handling.