Sculpture Source

Peter Voulkos’ sculpture for the Hall of Justice was initially not well received.  After a cursory viewing, Alfred Frankenstein of the San Francisco Chronicle called it “unfavorable.” For him it gave the “impression of some big bronze worms wiggling on platforms.”  First impressions can be deceptive.  He returned to look again.  “Within about 14 seconds,” he writes, “all my reservations concerning it were swept away, and I came to the conclusion that it is just about the finest piece of public sculpture in San Francisco” (Frankenstein, Alfred V., “Voulkos’ Work: The Finest Piece of S.F. Sculpture.” San Francisco Chronicle, October 1, 1971, p. 61, ill).

In 1967, the Hall of Justice commission was the first of its kind awarded by the San Francisco Arts Commission.  The honor went jointly to Peter Voulkos and Sidney Gordin.  Voulkos’ piece was finished and installed four years later after extensive upgrades, improvements and alterations all at the artist’s expense.  The Hall of Justice piece is the pioneer of public sculpture in San Francisco.  Since its installation, over 500 public works have been commissioned and installed.  Thirty-eight years later the grandfather of San Francisco outdoor public sculpture is in desperate need of restoration.

The San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Art Dealers Association have joined forces in an effort to preserve this important piece of cultural patrimony.  In the coming months the two organizations plan to raise the funds necessary for restoration and continued preservation.  The estimated cost is between $25,000 and $35,000.  The organizations are now welcoming contributions.  When Alfred Frankenstein gave the sculpture a second viewing he noticed, “during the hour or more that I spent with this sculpture, many people walked by, but none, so far as I could see, paid it any attention at all.”  This caused him to marvel.  “They organize expeditions of the art-minded to go to Los Angeles and New York and Paris.  An expedition to the corner of Seventh and Bryant streets would be even more worthwhile” (ibid).  Let us not be guilty too of neglect.

If you would like to contribute by donating your time or money, please contact the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Development Director, Rachelle Axel at (415) 252-2564 or rachelle.axel@sfgov.org.  Sculpturesite Gallery is pleased to be involved in this important  effort to preserve our cultural heritage.