A remarkable story of art restoration and preservation unfolds in Detroit, where a long-lost masterpiece by the renowned artist Harry Bertoia has found its way back into the public eye. This mid-century sculpture, once thought to be lost forever, now hangs proudly in the atrium of the new Hudson's/General Motors headquarters, a testament to the power of art and the dedication of those who strive to protect it.
The sculpture, titled "Sunlit Straw," was originally commissioned in 1970 for the Genesee Valley Center in Flint. It featured two magnificent "clouds" crafted from brazed metal rods, creating a unique and captivating visual experience. However, after the mall underwent renovations in 1980, the sculpture vanished, leaving many to believe it had been lost to time.
Fast forward to 2017, when the sculpture was miraculously discovered in a derelict state in the basement of Northland Mall in Southfield. General Motors (GM) stepped in, recognizing the significance of this find, and embarked on a labor-intensive journey to restore the artwork to its former glory.
"It was definitely a labor of love," said Natalie Morath, GM's lead archivist and curator. "Handling a sculpture of such magnitude, especially one that had been stored underground for years, presented its fair share of challenges."
Morath described the sculpture's initial state as "a crazy mess of metal rods," but with the help of Michigan-based conservation specialists, Flatlanders, the piece was meticulously restored.
The decision to place the sculpture in the new Hudson's headquarters was a perfect fit. "When we saw the renderings of the atrium, it was as if the sculpture was meant to be there," Morath explained. "The size and scale were absolutely perfect."
The installation process was no small feat either. The construction team had to "unzip" the side of the building and carefully maneuver the sculpture inside, securing it with cables from the internal balconies.
"It was a true team effort," Morath added. "Being able to share this story and showcase the sculpture is incredibly thrilling."
The acquisition and installation of the Bertoia sculpture is a source of great pride for GM. "We already have an incredible collection of artwork at our Technical Center campus," Morath said. "But this Bertoia sculpture, with its Hudson and GM connections, and Bertoia's Detroit-centric background, brings a unique full-circle element to our collection."
Harry Bertoia's daughter, Celia Bertoia, now runs a foundation in Utah dedicated to protecting and promoting her father's artistic legacy. She described the sculpture as "very important," highlighting its collaborative nature and the involvement of prominent architects and artists.
"It was originally hung from a single point, which is truly miraculous given its weight," Celia explained. "Seeing it now, in its glorious spot, is a wonderful surprise."
The Harry Bertoia Foundation hopes that the restoration and public display of this sculpture will inspire the rediscovery and appreciation of other monumental works of art that may be hiding in plain sight.
And there you have it, a story of art, dedication, and the power of preservation. What do you think? Are there other hidden masterpieces out there waiting to be rediscovered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
