‘Why Go Bald’ Sign

Known locally as Mr. W. G. B. (Why Go Bald), this nine-foot-high illuminated man has been posing his deadpan question to customers of the Universal Hair and Scalp Clinic since 1962.

The vintage sign was originally constructed by the Dublin-based family-signmakers Taylor Signs. Though it soon became a beloved landmark, things weren’t always so bright for the glowing man.

For five dark years, Mr. W.G.B. and his blunt question failed to shine. He was destined to be scrapped and trucked away to a junkyard. Fortunately, he was instead restored to his full glory in 1999 by the company that created him, thanks to a local campaign spearheaded by the Twentieth Century Society.

Even today, visitors can still see him fully illuminated every evening. He’s widely credited as the favorite Dublin landmark of Irish rock singer Bono, and has enjoyed cameo roles in the films A Man of No Importance and Educating Rita. Today, he even enjoys his own Facebook page of dedicated fans.