  Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 3935 Registered: 10-2003 |
This info is from Dr. Thomas Brunk’s wonderful book on Willeke: In 1919, Edsel Ford purchased the Albert Stephens mansion at the foot of Van Dyke, where the UAW Hall presently sits. He commissioned Leonard Willeke to remodel the riverfront manse. In his plans, Willike drew up three pieces of metalwork grace to entranceway. He designed a bronze door, transom, and a pair of lamps. A man named Alfred Nygard created the models but the actual pieces were created in New York by the Gorham Company in 1920. The wrought work of the project was to be done by Samuel Yellin. The curator of the DIA was so impressed that he asked Edsel for permission to display these items in the museum the summer before the house was completed. The doors and lamps were put on display again in 1929 at the Third International Exhibition of Architecture and Allied Arts in New York City. I thought I heard that they were laying in someone’s backyard on the east side somewhere. Someone had picked them up cheap at an auction but I feel I might be mistaken. Where are these pieces now???? http://www.time.com/time/magaz ine/article/0,9171,751862,00.h tml http://www.philadelphiabuildin gs.org/pab/app/pr_display.cfm/ 739984 http://www.philadelphiabuildin gs.org/pab/app/pj_display_cita tions_holdings.cfm/668300 | |||
Metaldoctor Member Username: Metaldoctor Post Number: 56 Registered: 01-2007 |
Thank you very much for this information, this matter must be perused it is city law! http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/hi storic/fence.htm | |||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8141 Registered: 12-2003 |
Heya, Metaldoctor, I understand we are neighbors! I jog past your place when I head from Eastern Market towards Belle Isle...if I got your handle from Jams down correctly. Cheers on furthering CRAFTSMANSHIP and art through Iron...simply amazing work. | |||
Metaldoctor Member Username: Metaldoctor Post Number: 58 Registered: 01-2007 |
Thank you for paying attention what you saw on your jog is work in progress 30% complete but let’s stay on the subject this is how the place look in the fall only a small portion of once great property barriers crafted by Samuel Yellin remains. It is used to support the shabby rolling gate, the fence you see is a common example of the lowest bidder, poorest quality and is around six years old.   | |||
Me2007 Member Username: Me2007 Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2007 |
Wow! That much corrosion after only about 6 years, that’s incredible (if that is the right word). does anyone know if there is anyway to restore something like so that it would last a bit longer? | |||
Metaldoctor Member Username: Metaldoctor Post Number: 66 Registered: 01-2007 |
metal doctor is refining his skill to meet future challenges like these.
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Metaldoctor Member Username: Metaldoctor Post Number: 78 Registered: 01-2007 |
I identify with Mr. Yellin’s philosophy The importance of the rare form of art is indeed in need of attention, if we continue to ignore it we may regret it in the future.... http://www.nyc-architecture.co m/ARCH/ARCH-Yellin.htm |
