Metal
conservators and restorers Antique Bronze respond to the news that the Alamo or
Astor Place Cube located in Manhattan is to be removed whilst work is carried
out in the area.
For many New
York residents and commuters, this is quite possibly the last opportunity they
might have, for some time, to view, or spin one of Manhattan’s most famous
sculptures, known simply as The Cube today. The Alamo, also known as the Astor
Place Cube has stood proud on Astor Place in Manhattan’s East Village in New
York City for almost 50 years.
Designed by
one of America’s most celebrated outdoor sculptors, Bernard (Tony) Rosenthal,
the sculpture is a well-known landmark, attracting millions of visitors weekly
who pass by to spin the sculpture freely by hand, even when weighing in at
820kg. The news that the Alamo is to be temporarily removed whilst
redevelopment plans are started in the area has raised much feedback from
locals, hoping that the short term disappearance of such a unique and unusual
piece of the city’s cultural history doesn’t cause too much upheaval.
‘Gothamist’,
an online media consortium mentioned in a recent online post that ‘as part of
the Astor Place Reconstruction Project, the Cube is being boxed up temporarily
as a protective measure’ and that the sculpture would be “removed off-site for
restoration”. At the centre of many cube-esque happenings, the Astor Place Cube
has had its fair share of temporary alterations including promotional
coverings, wool and yarn coatings and recently, a cardboard fascia of a Rubik’s
cube.
London-based
restoration experts Antique Bronze Ltd regularly react to news stories and
developments relative to their industry across the world. Although the company
operate only in the UK and specialise in ‘in-situ’ restoration, their
spokesperson agrees with planning officials that the need to remove such an
important landmark and sculpture during such important remodelling of the area
is necessary due to the scale of remodelling:
“Maintenance
is an integral part of any landmark or sculpture, particularly if operating
with moving parts. The removal of such a piece of art from Astor Place is a
wise decision and one we believe is crucial to avoid any damage to a well-known
and much loved part of Manhattan’s East Village.
“Local
residents reportedly love the cube; it has been a part of their lives for the
last forty seven years and we believe now is the perfect time for experts to
undertake restorative work to give the people of New York many more years of
enjoyment.”
Established
in 1955, with a strong reputation for outstanding knowledge and experience in
conserving and restoring of monuments and architectural features amongst
offering many other services, Antique Bronze Ltd are one of the most celebrated
sculptural and architectural conservational service providers. To learn more,
visit their website at www.antiquebronze.co.uk.