Tuesday, August 13, 2013

World's Fair statue being restored

From the Daily News:

For the first time in almost 50 years, gold stars are shining above the towering Rocket Thrower in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

The bronze statue, crafted for the 1964 World’s Fair, has been reborn, thanks to a meticulous restoration that is in its final phase.


More than 40-feet tall, the artwork evokes both Space Age and Classical imagery with its a male figure launching a rocket into space — a constellation of stars at his fingertips.


When sculptor Donald De Lue’s artwork was unveiled at the fair, it was derided by some critics. But then-Parks Commissioner and World’s Fair mastermind Robert Moses rushed to its defense.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why not move it to Queens Boo Hall on Queens Blvd where Civic Virtue once stood?

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful! The first poster has a great suggestion. Bravo on this restoration!

Anonymous said...

Too late. I hear that a cemetery in Brooklyn has dib's on it.

; )

Anonymous said...

No, please Don't move it! It belongs in the World's Fair Park!

In addition, I believe more of the original World's Fair Bldgs and structures should be renovated and useable. Even if the olympics, or another World Fair does not come here again, in my lifetime.

Anonymous said...

Great to see one of the structures in the park being restored. This is an example of a great project.

Kevin Walsh said...

They call that a 'meticulous' restoration? It's still covered in verdigris!

Cav said...

Forget the verdigris on the Rocket Thrower, how about fixing the broken guy wires holding the orbital ring on the Unisphere.

Don Cavaioli

Anonymous said...

Will the illegals be selling beer out of the strollers under the statue?