Augustus Saint-Gaudens was an American sculptor of the Beaux-Arts generation who embodied the ideals of the American Renaissance. Raised in New York City, he traveled to Europe for further training and artistic study. Born: March 1, 1848, Dublin, Ireland Died: August 3, 1907, Cornish Augustus Saint-Gaudens Playground located on East 20th Street and 2nd Avenue was acquired by the Parks Department in 1954 and opened as a jointly operated playground in January 1966 to serve children from adjacent P.S. 40. A $720,000 renovation was funded in 1996 by Councilman Antonio Pagan. The design pays tribute to Saint-Gaudens through bronze and porcelain decorations that harmonize with the new gates, spray shower, garden area, and play equipment. Here are some pictures I was able to take this morning of the neat features that can be seen. This is a round sculpture designed like the $20.00 Double Eagle Obverse inlaid in the ground. My Wallet is on it for size comparison - Here is the water sprinkler area for the kids -
Very thoughtful of you to share this with us...excellent photography and presentation....of course you didn't include your selfies of you in the swings and on the see-saw...good thing the water spray was not on...
Eddie, you continually amaze me buddy. Nice, well thought out, informative presentation of a sculptor most on this board would have to say they admire. Thanks for the 411 (for all you young collectors out there, 411 is another way us old fogies say 'information').
In my younger days, I went to New York City many times. I had a three month internship with AT&T in the financial district. I never knew this existed. Thanks for giving us a wonderful glimpse of it.