Denny’s Adventures in Allee Willis’ “Willis Wonderland” (Part 8 – August 2010)

Submitted by denny September 4th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

The smoke of whatever is resting in this ashtray billows out of the top of the volcano. I don’t know the company that made this or the year, but I do know this is one of my favorite ashtrays at “Willis Wonderland”. I still haven’t rummaged through the ashtray collection which I am just dying to do.

I didn’t notice this on my first visit to WW but this sits near the wall that was built for Debbie Harry’s video “French Kissing”. This tree is made of wire and has a rock base.

Finally, a decent pic of the gorgeous Eames fiber glass planters that are also outside. Next to the light up foot stools, these planters are also some of my favorite items at WW. You can still find these on Ebay but they tend to go for outrageous prices.

I’m really hoping that Gene & Bette are having a good retirement. They should be happy knowing that their celebratory sign of having to work no more is now sitting in the biggest museum of kitsch.

Hello there! Me hanging out poolside at WW. The only place where you can be surrounded by acrylic grapes.

5 Responses to “Denny’s Adventures in Allee Willis’ “Willis Wonderland” (Part 8 – August 2010)”

  1. Allee Willis

    That yellow line down the middle of the Mt. Fuji ashtray is unfortunately a crack that happened in the 1994 earthquake. It hasn’t diminished the power of the smoke blowing through the volcano fortunately. When you lay whatever you’re smoking in the ashtray smoke billows up through the volcano and comes out the top.

    The tree sculpture weighs a ton even though it’s only about a foot high, The wire branches will kill your fingers too. The wall it sits on is a main entry area to my yard for visiting cats, raccoons and possums. I put it there as a diversion but they merely use it as a scratching post.

    I have a lot of the fiberglas planters.

    I’ve always wondered who Gene and Bette were of the sign fame I’d like to invite them over for a BBQ.

    The Riverside Market sign is almost 20 feet long and works beautifully. Lights up red and blue and throws a pink cast over the house at night. It was made in 1940.

  2. k2dtw

    Love the clever ashtray design that captures the smoke??…wow The fiberglass planters are so great…and that neon Riverside Market sign is to die for…