VIDEOTOUR: Sherwin-Williams Museum
At the Intersection of Business and History
If you have lived in Cleveland for any period of time, you no doubt have some kind of work connection to Sherwin Williams. Most people in Northeast Ohio at least know someone who has worked there or done some work for them at some time. I know I have. So I was intrigued to find out about a museum right in the lobby of Sherwin Williams’ downtown corporate headquarters which highlights the connection between the history of Sherwin Williams as in intersects with its hometown, Cleveland, Ohio.
The museum is in The Center of Excellence which is the name of the whole welcoming area on the second floor of the Midland Building.
Features of the museum include:
• A timeline highlighting historical features of Cleveland right alongside the historical highlights of Sherwin Williams
• The original mantel and brickwork from Henry Sherwin’s office from the late 1800’s
• Notable historic artifacts such as the first Sherwin Williams annual report, which is a hand-written ledger; an early can of buggy touch-up paint, the precursor to car touch-up paint; a traveling-salesman’s varnish-mixing kit; and a wooden model of the original logo which was a chameleon on an artists palette.
• A 78 year-old neon sign of the iconic cover-the-earth logo, which hung in a San Francisco store front.
There is no cost to explore the exhibits showcasing historic memorabilia, information and images. If you are interested in visiting the museum contact Gina Uline, Center of Excellence Coordinator, The Sherwin Williams Company 216.566.2000 or visit the Center of Excellence web site.
Carol Drummond has been a professional designer for 25 years. Prior to starting her award-winning graphic design studio 15 years ago, Drummond Design, she graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, worked at a graphic design studio, a video production company, and a consumer products company. She has been an art docent for Mayfield City Schools and currently serves on the COSE Arts Network Advisory Committee. http://www.DrummonDesign.com