Bascom Hill sesquicentennial banners unveiled

New computer printing technology will afford travelers up and down Bascom Hill different visual experiences each trip.

Twenty-seven new banners, commemorating the university’s dynamic character, will be formally unveiled as part of UW–Madison’s sesquicentennial celebration starting Sept. 10.

According to project coordinator Diane Sheehan, professor of environment, textile and design, the banners are innovations in both design and production. Two images per banner have been printed on special mesh fabric. Factors including the cloud cover, time of day and the viewing angle will determine what you see on the banners at any given moment, Sheehan says.

Graduate students Carolyn Kallenborn and Julie Moehn designed the banners. A half-million dollar electronic printer did the actual printing. Because of the unfamiliar technology used to make the banners, Sheehan says they will be “test driven” on the hill in coming days. After they are officially installed Sept. 10, they will remain on display on and off during the year.