In September, landscape architects are expected to present Community Board 1 with a design for Tribeca's Bogardus Garden and Plaza [1] that will merge both the garden and the plaza into a unified triangular park on Hudson Street, between Chambers and Reade streets. The Trib received letters from two longtime Tribeca artists, with suggestions for sculptures for that space.
A Cast Iron Bogardus Portrait
To the Editor:
I was delighted to learn Bogardus Garden is once again in the news, ready for further improvement. All of the three proposals will be a great and welcome change.
Years ago, when the garden was first suggested, I made a portrait of Bogardus with an anticipated concept to fabricate it in cast iron, which would have a great patina. (I never submitted the idea.)
I am proposing that the sculpture be placed in Bogardus Garden at the north end, where there are existing base-like steps.
We can all look forward to the improved park.
Mimi Gross
P.S. Congratulations on your on-going excellent neighborhood newspaper.
A Monument to 'The Great Mr. B.'
To the Editor:
How fascinating to see Mimi Gross' idea for a cast iron tribute to James Bogardus (letters, July 2014 Trib)! I wonder how many artists who live near the Bogardus Garden have also had ideas? A number of years ago I too proposed a monument to the great Mr. B. It would consist of six rectangular, cast iron plates arranged pinwheel-like in a column about six feet high. The slabs would be enlarged casts of the signature signage that Bogardus customarily attached to his buildings:
J A M E S B O G A R D U S, O R I G I N A T O R
A N D C O N S T R U C T O R O F I R O N
B U I L D I N G S. N E W Y O R K
John Willenbecher
Links:
[1] http://www.tribecatrib.com/content/pick-one-choosing-design-bogardus-garden-and-plaza