Is it really a Twin Peaks set if it doesn’t feature a mid-century lighted picture? This photo of a fisherman wading in front of a mountain occupies the back wall of the Double R Diner through the bulk of the first two seasons.
LIGHTED PICTURE AT DOUBLE R DINER
It was made by Formed Products, based in Elmhurst, NY.
Unlike the Helmscene lighted picture at the Blue Pine Lodge which is illuminated from behind, this metal shadowbox houses bulbs at the top and bottom to light an opaque photo print which has a faux-brushstroke texture.
FORME PRODUCTS CO.
Though I couldn’t find much about the company’s history, a search for Formed Products turned up mostly “reverse paintings” on glass that are similarly lighted.
LIGHTED PICTURE MOVES AROUND AT THE DOUBLE R DINER
On the diner set in episode 2.015, the shadowbox eventually moves from the right side of the kitchen window to the left side of the other swinging door. There we get the clearest shot of this piece in the only scene with its lights turned on.
Here are a few other episodes in Seasons 1 and 2 where you can spot this prop. Follow me on Instagram – @TwelveRainbowTrout – for more looks at props and places from Twin Peaks.
SEASON 1
The first appearance of the prop is in Episode 1006 when Shelly Johnson picks up an order from the kitchen window.
SEASON 2
The frame is frequently seen throughout Season 2. It’s in the background of this publicity photo of The Log Lady (Catherine Coulson).
The bottom of the frame is seen along the back wall in episode 2.002.
Image behind Hank Jennings’ shoulder in episode 2.004.
Hank and Norma Jennings greet District Attorney Daryl Lodwick in episode 2.004.
Episode 2.013 is final episode where the image appears on the right side of the diner near the swinging door.
By episode 2.015, the image has moved to the left side of the diner where it will remain for the rest of Season 2.
In episode 2.016, the sign was been replaced with the “Double R” breakfast sign and a smaller framed image.
It’s behind Norma and Deputy Dale in episode 2.017.
It’s also behind Shelly Johnson in episode 2.018 and Bobby Briggs in episode 2.020.
The final appearance of the framed image is in episode 2.022 when Bobby and Shelly are at the Double R Diner counter.
