Deeply Rooted in Boston: Kirkwood Printing's Local Impact
At Kirkwood, we take pride in our deep-rooted connection to Boston's community, contributing to some of the city's most iconic public graphics. Whether it's a burst of color brightening up a commute, or a powerful visual marking a momentous event, Kirkwood is at the heart of bringing these vibrant moments to life. Our work not only defines the city, but also speaks to its spirit of resilience, creativity, and tradition.
National Grid Tank, Dorchester
One of the most memorable pieces tied to Boston's skyline is the Rainbow Swash, painted in 1971 by Sister Mary Corita Kent. This massive mural, wrapped around a gas storage tank in Dorchester, has sparked conversation for decades. Originally painted during the Vietnam War era, some Bostonians believed the colorful stripes hid a subtle protest—a portrait of Ho Chi Minh embedded within the design. Whether or not the rumors hold truth, Kent’s masterpiece remains a celebrated landmark, a testament to the city's open-mindedness and its quirky charm. For families on a drive home from a Sox game, spotting the "hidden face" in the mural has become a playful tradition, and the Swash itself continues to serve as a symbol of Boston's artistic heritage.
Harpoon Brewery, Seaport, Boston
Over at the Seaport, another Boston icon rises from the grounds of the Harpoon Brewery. The towering silo, adorned with massive branding, greets visitors arriving for brewery tours. This 53-foot-tall tank isn't just functional; it's a bold statement of the brewery's size and success. Installed with precision using over 2,000 square feet of 3M graphics, the silo stands as a testament to Boston's booming craft beer scene and Kirkwood's ability to deliver large-scale graphics that truly leave an impression.
Boston Marathon
Of course, when it comes to Boston traditions, nothing compares to the Boston Marathon finish line. Each year, Kirkwood’s team contributes to the vibrant graphics seen by thousands of runners crossing that iconic yellow-and-blue line on Boylston Street. The vinyl finish line, specially designed with an aggressive adhesive and anti-slip coating, isn't just a finish—it's a symbol of achievement, resilience, and Boston pride, an emotional end to one of the world’s most famous races.
Gillette Stadium
And in 2023, for the first time in history, Gillette Stadium hosted the Army-Navy football game. As the field is prepared with precise graphics to honor this 124-year-old rivalry, Kirkwood was asked to assist in the output of graphics that will be a spectacle worthy of national attention. It’s a proud moment for Boston and for Kirkwood as we contribute to a historic event that brings together generations of tradition, competition, and patriotism.
Fenway Park
No visit to Fenway Park is complete without seeing the iconic Coke Bottles towering over the leftfield stands. These massive 3D advertisements have become as much a part of Fenway as the Green Monster itself, blending nostalgia with modern branding. Kirkwood’s touch in maintaining and updating the Coca-Cola sign ensures that it continues to catch the eye of fans and adds to the magic of the Fenway experience. Whether watching a game in person or catching a glimpse on TV, those Coke Bottles were a reminder of how Kirkwood’s work is embedded in the very soul of Boston's most beloved landmarks.
From vibrant murals and corporate branding to sports milestones and legendary ballparks, Kirkwood is woven into the very fabric of Boston’s iconic moments, working behind the scenes to ensure the city’s stories are told through bold and beautiful graphics.
Contact us today for your next Boston-based event, signage, or visual branding project.
