I’ve first wrote about the Harvey Scott (d. 1910) sculpture by Gutzom Borglum on the top of Mount Tabor in SE Portland in 2005.
Borglum was the designer of Mount Rushmore.
The big bronze sculpture was commissioned in the 1930s by Scott’s widow and family, but is now maintained by RACC, who all agree is an agency spread thin.
Harvey Scott was editor and publisher of The Oregonian, a pioneer of sorts, and local character. His epitaph cut into the granite is “Molder of opinion / in Oregon / and the nation.”
(Actually Scott’s buried at River View Cemetery.)
This visit I notice considerable new corrosion on the bronze, streaking the figure’s face and body with lighter green threads. The corrosion is caused by acids in bird droppings and in rain, and has become pronounced, leaving the sculpture looking forgotten and dreary as it withdraws into the thick piney backdrop.
Too bad. And too bad The Oregonian hasn’t taken notice and offered to provide a the spit and polish required to make Harvey Scott look fresh and new again.
Rehabbing a big bronze would like Borglum’s would be expensive, would put a big dent in RACC’s annual fix-up budget. But the cost of a wash and careful coating with microcrystalline wax would be a trifle to The Oregonian, one of the most profitable newspapers in the nation. Total cost – $15,000, about 1/2 a page ad in Monday’s A section.
EXTRA – Tom Lehrer, Poisoning Pigeons in the Park (mp3, click link to listen)
February 25, 2008 at 3:05 am
Considering his profound (way more than just the Oregonian) part of Oregon history, one would think this statue would be kept in good repair. It isn’t that expensive and this park is an important part of our city.
February 25, 2008 at 5:31 pm
to prevent further damage, the community might consider putting some environmentally friendly, cruelty-free bird repellers around the statue. For instance some strands of holographic tape would discourage the birds from perching and pooping on poor Harvey Scott.
February 25, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Pigeons happen. The cost of this solution + regular maintenance might be higher and less effective than cleaning the statue.
Good point tho, better than Tom Lehrer’s idea.
I would rely on RACC to know the facts, but my bet is this sculpture hasn’t been cleaned in 50+ years.
April 5, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Harvey Scott was the brother of Abigail Scott Duniway. Harvey publicly opposed his sister’s public passion for a woman’s right to vote for 25 years. Perhaps the female pigeons dropping on Harvey are just giving him his due.
December 18, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Bronze is meant to age and develop a rich, weathered patina..although the bird poop should be cleaned off, and maybe an enhancer applied. . The biggest and most unsightly mistake would be to “restore” the beauty of the sculpture by gilding the bronze all shiny golden, like they did with Joan of Arc on 39th. The artist who designed her would shudder.
March 5, 2012 at 10:44 am
Fire Performing and Music…
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