Nancy, A Passage of Time - Scolley Square, Boston, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 21.342 W 071° 03.530
19T E 330442 N 4691323
This sculpture, originally near Boston City Hall Plaza, is now in a traffic island in Franklin Street.
Waymark Code: WMCWDY
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 10/18/2011
Views: 15
In Boston's Government Center, on a traffic island off City Hll Plaza, is a sculpture assembly of sheet metal pieces that has the title of 'Nancy.'
The traffic island is in the middle of the intersection of Court Street, Cambridge Street, and Tremont Street. The traffic island does make it easier for people to cross to the other side of any street, but it is still a challenge to cross even one lane - be careful of not only cars, but also other pedestrians and bicyclists going full speed through the crosswalk (believe me, I've seen it all).
The inventory page stated that the sculpture stands about 6 ft. x 77 in. x 80 in. with a base approximately 5 1/2 x 64 x 38 in. The sculpture has a right angular component and a curved component. The angular components have two sheets of metal separated by spacers. The curved components have two sheets that are cut at different lengths. The sculpture is set on an L-shaped base that has a plaque with the following on it:
'"Nancy"
by Rick Lake
________
Given to
The People of Boston
________
By
Bertram and Ronald Drucker
- 1978 -'
The sculpture is in good condition, but there were some signs of tarnish-rust, and could use a general polish.
3/20/2014 - Nancy has been moved. Construction at the MBTA subway station at City Hall Plaza caused the road island to be removed. Nancy is now on Franklin Street, near the construction site where the old Filenes Department Building is/was.
Old coordinates: 42 21.55 N, 71 3.576 W
TITLE: Nancy, A Passage of Time
ARTIST(S): Richard Lee
DATE: 1/1/1978
MEDIUM: Cor-Ten steel and stainless steel; Base: pink granite (?) or marble (?).
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 87740030
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Traffic Island at the intersection of Tremont Street, Cambridge Street, and Court Street.
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
I am not sure what the base is. It does appear to be pink granite, but the base is rust stained, so it is difficult to see the natural color.
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