<p>The swordfish harpooner is back in his familiar stance in the dunes behind Menemsha Beach. The iconic work of art was reinstalled Thursday morning.</p>
Sculptor jay Lagemann supervised installation.
Sculptor jay Lagemann supervised installation.
The swordfish harpooner is back in his familiar stance in the dunes behind Menemsha Beach. Sculptor Jay Lagemann oversaw the reinstallation of the iconic work of art Thursday morning, following a 13-month absence.
Commissioned by the town of Chilmark for its tricentennial in 1994, the original sculpture was created on the spot out of iron bars and cement. It had deteriorated with age, however, and a new sculpture of bronze and stainless steel was cast in a Pennsylvania foundry over the winter. The statue was trucked to the Island this week.
On Thursday the installation went as smoothly as planned, and as delicately as is possible for a 1,600-pound piece of bronze hanging from the bucket of an excavator anchored in soft sand. Crew members first lifted the sculpture off a small trailer and laid it on the sand dunes. Then, with a sling snugly under the harpooner’s arms, they lifted the piece high in the air and swung it over its base.
Originally commissioned for Chilmark's tricentennial in 1994, the sculpture had deteriorated and had a makeover this winter.
Originally commissioned for Chilmark's tricentennial in 1994, the sculpture had deteriorated and had a makeover this winter.
“I think we got it, guys,” said Mr. Lagemann as the sculpture settled onto four 3/4-inch bolts embedded into the concrete base. A few more tweaks to get it perfectly level, and the harpooner was home. All that was left was a maneuver to lift a volunteer in the excavator bucket high enough to unhook the sling.
“This is to honor all the fishermen,” he said. “Menemsha is our connection to the ocean.”
A small crowd turned out to watch the show. Mr. Lagemann said he was pleased with the operation and happy the sculpture was back in place, within site of the spot where he began pot fishing more than 40 years ago.
Comments
Glad to see that back!
Child of gayhead leroy n.yGlad to see that back!
I remember meeting Jay years
michael g. west vineyard havenI remember meeting Jay years ago in Allen Whiting's barn. He sketched out the harpooner and explained he would build it from rebar and concrete, and it would over time decay, symbolic of the declining sword fishery. It was such an iconic piece that even in its decay I hoped it would be restored, never mind the cool symbolism. So happy to see it's back!
It will be interesting when
Jay J Lagemann ChilmarkIt will be interesting when,due to Climate Change, the sea level will cover the belly of the swordfish. Bronze is such a great sculpture material that it would survive the double daily dunking. Won't happen while I'm alive but my grandchildren (and probably children) will.
Thrilled it's back! Missed it
lasmvy New York, NYThrilled it's back! Missed it last summer.
Work of ART!
Funny thing is: I went to
Peter simon ChilmarkFunny thing is: I went to Menemsha yesterday to sip chowdah and watch the sea. I noticed the sculpture there and thought it was a Twilight Zone episode that it was ever gone to begin with. Rod Serling appeared and said "Things are never what they seem." Thanks to Jay and our town!!☮
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