There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
Description (Brief):
This wood laminate skateboard displays Tony Hawk’s Birdhouse logo graphic designed by Vernon Cortlandt Johnson and was used by Tony Hawk in competitions during the mid-1980s. An archaic lapper band is attached to the rear truck and was used in 1980s vert skating to make the transition to the half pipe rail smoother. The wheels seen on the skateboard today are not original to the board -- these are modern SPF formula Bones wheels which were on the board when Tony donated the board at the "Quicksilver All '80's Vert Challenge in 2011. Tony Hawk began competing at age 12 and turned pro at 14. An innovative vert skater, Hawk competed in over 100 competitions before he was 25 and was the first to land a 900 in competition. Hawk retired in 1999 but continues to skate in exhibitions and demos. In that same year, Hawk created ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ video game franchise which became one of the most popular video games in history. The Tony Hawk Foundation has funded over $5 million to over 550 skate park projects throughout the world.
Description (Brief)
Vernon Courtlandt Johnson joined Powell Peralta in 1978 and began creating many of the iconic images we see in skateboarding today. The skull imagery was prevalent in Courtlandt’s black and white ink drawings during this time as were the sword and dragon. The images reflected the philosophy of skating as individualistic, drawing on the powerful symbols of life and death to convey the skate community’s audacious spirit. Courtlandt created specific designs for each rider – Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse logo, Mike McGill and his snake and skull logo – producing a strong, almost personal bond to the athlete and his followers. Courtlandt’s images from the 1980s are much sought after by collectors as works of art. His designs today are creating a new allegiance of admirers.
Date Made: 1986
User: Hawk, Tony
Location: Currently not on view
Name Of Sport: skateboardingWeb Subject: SportsLevel Of Sport: Professional
Subject:
See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure, Skateboarding, Sports & Leisure
Exhibition:
Exhibition Location:
Credit Line: Tony Hawk
Data Source: National Museum of American History
Id Number: 2011.0017.01Accession Number: 2011.0017Catalog Number: 2011.0017.01
Object Name: skateboard
Physical Description: wood (overall material)metal (overall material)plastic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 31 in x 10 1/2 in x 5 3/4 in; 78.74 cm x 26.67 cm x 14.605 cm
Metadata Usage: CC0
Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b1-f35c-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Record Id: nmah_1399487
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach tosharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian'sTerms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visitRights and Reproductions.