When you visit our Images from the Ardens exhibition and take a good look at all the pieces of sculpture, you may notice that an old friend is missing. Look closely at the assembled busts and you will find that Henry George is not in the group. The bust of Henry George has been part of the collection since the beginning – well before the Museum was opened in 2004. In fact, the piece was listed in the inventory done by the original Archives Committee in 1991. This inventory was done by of University of Delaware intern and was paid for by a grant from the Delaware Heritage Commission. Having this piece in our collection is an important link to our founders, Frank Stephens and Will Price, advocates of the Georgist concept of Land Value Tax.
The bust was done by one of George’s sons, Richard, a well-known sculptor. The piece, however, has never been in the best condition. There are numerous scratches and scrapes on the surface. And most visibly, the top half of the left ear has always been missing. The Museum and Archives Committee has long wanted to have this piece repaired.
What makes the repairs possible at this time is a grant from New Castle County Council. Through Councilman Cartier and his office, we received a grant which will pay for over half of the cost of the repair and restoration of the bust. So, Mr. George is in the capable hands of an art conservator and we know he will soon be back in the Museum and will look better then he has in years. Thank you, Councilman Cartier!
Please visit our exhibition Images from the Ardens. The show is in the Bernie Schwab Community Room – just follow the signs along Cherry Lane to the “back” door. Our museum hours are the same: Sunday afternoons from 1 PM to 3 PM and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 PM to 9 PM. Your Are Welcome Hither.
