Full-Scale Original Model of James Dean Memorial. This full-scale hydro-stone bust by artist Kenneth Kendall served as a mod...

Description

Full-Scale Original Model of James Dean Memorial. This full-scale hydro-stone bust by artist Kenneth Kendall served as a model for a matching bronze bust located atop the James Dean Monument at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. (An identical bronze monument is located in the James Dean Memorial Park in Fairmount, Indiana.) Dean had once visited Kendall's studio/home with Jazz singer Toni Lee Scott, to see Kendall's sculpture of Dean's idol, Marlon Brando. The two discussed Brando and the art of sculpting in general, and Dean asked Kendall if he might consider doing a sculpture of him. It was the only time the two would meet, as Dean died not long after. Kendall's card was found on the actor's desk after the crash. Kendall went home and started a sculpture of Dean that night, and did several more, as well as numerous paintings and drawings, over the course of the following decades, and his experience in replicating Dean's likeness made him the ideal candidate for designing the monument. Erected in 1988 and located just outside the domed building on the sidewalk to the west of the main lawn, it pays tribute to the actor, his work, and the pivotal scenes from Rebel Without a Cause that were filmed there. The bust stands 20" tall and rest atop a wood-and-plaster plinth that measures 18" x 76" x 18", both in Excellent condition. A one-of-kind historical rarity. From the James Dean Museum archive.

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