George Maitland Stanley(April 26, 1903 – May 11, 1970)[1]was an American sculptor. Well known as sculpting the Muse Statue at theHollywood Bowl.[2][3]Cedric Gibbonsdesigned theOscarstatuette in 1928, but tasked the sculpting toGeorge Stanley.
George Stanley | |
|---|---|
 Stanley, in 1959, with the statuette he sculpted | |
| Born | George Maitland Stanley April 23, 1903 |
| Died | May 11, 1970(aged 67) |
| Education | Otis Art Institute |
| Known for | sculpture |
Early life
editStanley was born inIota,Acadia Parish, Louisianain the year 1903. He then moved as a child to California and spent his youth there in the city ofWatsonville.Upon graduation from high school Stanley proceeded to study sculpture atOtis Art Institutein Los Angeles from 1923 to 1926. He also taught at this school from 1926 to 1942. Stanley also taught briefly at theSanta Barbara School of the Arts.During his life he completed many public arts works including work for schools such as theLong Beach Polytechnic High School,as well as works for private patrons.
Sculpting career
editThe Oscar statuette was fabricated based upon a sketch by MGM art directorCedric Gibbonsin 1927.[4][5]It was first awarded in 1929. Since then, more than 3000 statuettes have been presented to some of the world's best film and television actors, writers, directors, producers, and technicians.[6][7]
Stanley sculpted a statue ofSir Isaac Newtonlocated at theGriffith Observatory,completed in 1934. This statue was part of a larger work known as theAstronomer's Monument.This work was a public project funded by thePWAP.Consequently, the work was signed "PWAP", with none of the six artists contributing to it receiving individual recognition. The design for the monument was submitted byArchibald Garner,and executed by him and five of the other sculptors who had submitted proposals.
Stanley sculpted theMuse of Music, Dance, Dramalocated at theHollywood Bowlwhich serves as the gateway to Hollywood.[8][9][10][11]Completed in 1940,[12]this fountain sculpture in the Streamline Moderne style is carved from granite and stands twenty-two feet tall and two-hundred feet wide. It serves as a retaining wall for the amphitheater.[13]In June 2006, the sculpture was refurbished and rededicated. It received new plumbing, landscaping and grout.[14]
The stylized relief above the Art Deco landmarkBullocks Wilshireentrance at 3050 Wilshire Boulevard was designed by George Stanley.[15]
References
edit- ^"George Stanley - Biography".www.askart.com.Archivedfrom the original on December 6, 2014.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^Nichols, Chris (February 25, 2016)."Meet George Stanley, Sculptor of the Academy Award".Los Angeles Magazine.Archivedfrom the original on November 7, 2017.RetrievedNovember 6,2017.
- ^"Muse of Music, Dance, Drama".Los Angeles County Arts Commission: County Collection.LA County Arts Commission.Archivedfrom the original on October 26, 2018.RetrievedNovember 6,2017.
- ^Pagano, Penny (March 30, 1987)."Film Industry's Most Coveted Prize Starts Life in Illinois Trophy Firm".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on July 29, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^"Fillmore Couple Converts Artists' Barn Into B".Los Angeles Times.L.A. Times Archives. January 7, 1997.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on October 15, 2022.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: others (link) - ^Gordon, Paul (March 21, 2002). "Design choice: Oscar".Marketing(10).ProQuest214981600.
- ^"Phil's Stock World: The Oscars – Gold Plated And Debased Like The Dollar".Phil's Stock World.February 26, 2017.
- ^Waldie, D.J. (February 11, 2001)."The Look of Things".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on October 15, 2022.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^Colker, David (July 9, 1989)."Hidden in Plain Sight: A brief guide to Los Angeles' forgotten public artworks".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on July 29, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^Harrison, Scott (January 8, 2019)."From the Archives: Hollywood Bowl Muse of Music, Dance, Drama".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on September 22, 2022.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^Pool, Bob (June 20, 2006)."Getting a Splash from the Past".Los Angeles Times.pp. B1.Archivedfrom the original on April 5, 2017.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^Wada, Karen (June 15, 2011)."Hollywood Bowl tidbits".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on July 29, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^"George Stanley," Muse of Music, Dance, Drama "".USAD Art Resource Guide: Art of the Great Depression.The United States Academic Decathlon: 55. 2010.
- ^"Hollywood Beauty Gets a Makeover".Los Angeles Times.June 17, 2006. pp. B11.ISSN0458-3035.
- ^Kaplan, Sam Hall (September 5, 1987)."Music, Architecture Blend in Harmony".Los Angeles Times.ISSN0458-3035.Archivedfrom the original on July 29, 2021.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.