Evoking a Momentous Musical Era

Every art display has a story to tell; the one in Chris Eline’s Pennsylvania home is a chronicle of enduring connection with a stellar array of pioneering musicians.

Eline says his Rock ‘n Roll Room “is a culmination of collecting for over 30 years, dedicated to displaying my prized rock and roll autographs of the 1960s and 1970s, and signed photographic prints.” Also included are vintage music festival posters, drumsticks, and other memorabilia, which together create a unique and immersive display that evokes a momentous musical era.

“Highlights include two Jim Morrison autographs, and ones from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Elvis; there’s also a triple-signed Led Zeppelin, and a photo signed by all four Beatles,” notes Eline, who is himself an active photographer. An Original Gallery System installation “gives me the flexibility to safely hang everything and double-stack my favorites.”

Prior to the display going up, the room was extensively renovated by Eline’s son-in-law Matt Macleod of Macleod Custom Builders . “He removed hundred-year-old wooden walls and rebuilt everything from scratch,” explains Eline.

Effective lighting is crucial for bringing out the details of the items on display, so the rebuild included a center ceiling light and multiple pin-spot lights that shine directly on the pieces. Extra ambience is provided by lighted crown molding (suggested by Macleod) that allows for free adjustment of color and brightness, to suit the mood on any given day. 

“We spent a week hanging and rearranging until we found what looked best in terms of size and color,” says Eline. “All of our visitors now get a mini-museum tour, and everyone loves it!”