"Casting Modernity: Bronze in the XXth Century"
Introduction to a Series of Discussions with Bob Spring
- Prepared
by Patricia Bradshaw
A few days before its closing in June 2014, Bob and Jeffrey Spring East 78th Street
- - - "In
a very simple way, the exhibition unknowingly shared our
history too," Jeffrey remarked.
Upon their return, I met with Mr. Spring a couple times to
discuss his thoughts on the exhibition. He said he was quite
taken seeing all these works, and felt a clear emotional
connection. Many of these artist’s he worked with directly, providing
services to assist them in their artistic pursuits. He added, "It
was a nice tribute to the foundry, although most people, on first glance would
not know we were involved. Even the artist’s we didn't cast for, their works
sometimes made their way to our foundry when collectors need our
conservation and maintenance services.” I asked Mr. Spring for some specific
memories but his first thoughts mused about his father, himself, and now his
daughter and son all sharing these similar experiences working with artists.
- - - He replied, “It was
very nice of the gallery curator to show us around, and give us two
complimentary exhibition catalogues.”
The artist’s included in the exhibit were Jean Arp, Louise Bourgeois, Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Calder,
Willem de Kooning, Max Ernst, Alberto Giacomettti, Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons,
Henri Laurens, Roy Lichtenstein, Marino Marini, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Henry
Moore, Bruce Nauman, Isamu Noguchi, Pablo Picasso, Germaine Richier, Auguste
Rodin, David Smith, and Cy Twombly. Mr. Spring recalled, "My father
always told me that our purpose is to be faithful to the artists intentions. We
are not critics. This principle has allowed us to work with many, many artists
during the past eighty two years. We are certainly not perfect, but it is
important for foundries to have good craftsman, without them you would not meet
the demands of the customers."
In the next few posts I will expand on Mr.
Spring’s memories and connections in more detail including working with
sculptors Louise Bourgeois, Willem de Kooning, Max Ernst, Jasper
Johns, Isamu Noguchi and others.
- Photo credit on file
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18-70 41st Street |
