Alexander Milne Calder: A Brief Biography
Alexander Milne Calder was a Scottish-born American sculptor, born on August 23, 1846, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Calder emigrated to the United States in 1868 and quickly established himself as a prominent sculptor. His most notable work is the massive statue of William Penn that crowns Philadelphia’s City Hall, a project that marked his significant contribution to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The William Penn Statue
The William Penn statue, completed in 1894, is a bronze sculpture standing atop the Philadelphia City Hall. Here are the detailed aspects of the statue:
Height and Size:
- The statue stands 37 feet (11.3 meters) tall.
- It weighs approximately 27 tons (24,000 kilograms).
Material:
- The statue is made of bronze.
Positioning and Orientation:
- The statue is positioned at the very top of the central tower of City Hall, at an elevation of 548 feet (167 meters) above the ground.
- William Penn is depicted standing with one arm outstretched, symbolizing peace and friendship, while holding a scroll in the other hand, representing the Charter of Pennsylvania.
Historical Context and Labor Involved
The construction of Philadelphia City Hall itself began in 1871 and continued until 1901. Calder’s work on the William Penn statue and other sculptures for the building spanned from 1876 to 1894. The process involved intricate planning, artistic skill, and laborious work.
Design and Creation:
- Calder initially created a 22-foot-tall plaster model of William Penn. This model was used to create molds for the bronze casting.
- The bronze pieces were cast at the Tacony Iron Works in Philadelphia and then assembled at the site.
- The final assembly of the statue on top of City Hall required significant engineering ingenuity due to its size and weight.
Installation:
- The installation process involved lifting the massive pieces of the statue to the top of the City Hall tower using cranes and scaffolding.
- The statue was finally hoisted to its position in November 1894.
Impact on Philadelphia
The William Penn statue has become an iconic symbol of Philadelphia. For many years, it was the tallest structure in the city, and a local gentlemen’s agreement, known as the “gentlemen’s agreement of 1905,” kept buildings from surpassing the height of Penn’s hat until the construction of One Liberty Place in 1987.
Cultural Significance:
- The statue represents Philadelphia’s historical and cultural roots, embodying the city’s founding principles of freedom and democracy.
- It is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline and serves as a constant reminder of the city’s founder and his legacy.
Artistic Contribution:
- Calder’s work on the statue and numerous other sculptures in and around City Hall showcases his exceptional skill and artistic vision.
- His contributions helped solidify Philadelphia’s reputation as a city rich in art and architecture.
Conclusion
Alexander Milne Calder’s William Penn statue is not just a remarkable piece of art; it is a historical and cultural beacon for Philadelphia. The detailed craftsmanship, the monumental effort involved in its creation, and its enduring presence atop City Hall make it a subject of great interest and pride for the city. Calder’s legacy lives on through this magnificent sculpture, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Philadelphia and its people.