1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.1 

[LOGO]                                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                    Contact: Conway G. Ivy
                                                    Vice President, Corporate
                                                       Planning and Development
                            NEWS:                   216-566-2102


                                                                             
The Sherwin-Williams Company    101 Prospect Avenue, N.W.   Cleveland, Ohio 44115     (216) 566-2140


         CLEVELAND, OHIO -- April 23, 1997 -- The Board of Directors of The
Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) today announced a quarterly dividend of
$0.10 per share on common stock, payable June 6, 1997 to shareholders of record
on May 6, 1997.

         The Board of Directors today also adopted a new shareholder rights
plan, declaring a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right for each
outstanding share of common stock, $1.00 par value, of the Company, to replace
the original shareholder rights plan in effect since January 25, 1989. The
rights will be distributed to shareholders of record at the close of business on
May 6, 1997.

         The new rights plan is intended to assure that all shareholders receive
fair value for their investment in the Company and to provide the directors with
sufficient time to evaluate fully any takeover offers. The new rights plan was
not adopted in response to any specific takeover threat, and the Board of
Directors is not aware of any efforts to acquire the Company.

         In connection with the adoption of the new rights plan, the Board of
Directors today also approved and ordered the redemption of the rights
outstanding under the original shareholder rights plan adopted in 1989. Holders
of record of the Company's common stock at the close of business on May 6 1997,
will receive $.01 for each right being redeemed. As a result of stock splits
effected since the adoption of the original rights plan, this redemption price
translates to $.0025 per share of common stock outstanding as of the record
date. Shareholders of record on May 6, 1997 will receive the redemption payment
along with the regular quarterly dividend payable on June 6, 1997.