Georges Bridges Sold at Auction Prices

GEORGES BRIDGES, LAUGHING MAN, BRONZE, 1936

Property from the Collection of John and Virginia Duncan, Savannah, GA Description: Georges Bridges (AL/TN, 1899-1976), Laughing Man, Bronze, 1936, the jovial bust signed Georges Bridges, 1936 on rear, on a rounded marble base mounted with plaque 'ALABAMA, Laughing Man, Georges Bridges', according to an account from a family member the bust depicts Dr. WIlliam McQueen of Birmingham, a member of a prominent Birmingham family, with 'Who Was Who in American Art' entry taped to back of marble base 'BRIDGES, Georges (S. Des) Birmingham, AL b. 31 Mr. 1899, Chattanooga, TN; Studied: Cincinnati Acad. A; abroad, Member: SSAL; New Orleans AA. Exhibited: CGA. Work: IBM; Univ. Ala. (47)'. Illustrated as number 45 in 'Sculpture of the Western Hemisphere: Permanent Collection, International Business Machines Corporation' published 1942. Height of marble: 6 in. Georges Bridges was an American sculptor. Bridges and his wife, fellow artist Eleanor Massey, were lifelong philanthropists, taking in abandoned children during the Great Depression, teaching free classes in arts and trade skills, and opening their home as a rehabilitation clinic. Bridges is mainly known for his large scale monument sculptures, including the Thomas Jefferson statue outside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Linn Park and the Brother Bryan statue at Five Points South, Birmingham, AL. Measurements: Height: of bronze 11 1/2 in. x Width: 9 in. x Depth: 9 in. Condition: Good condition, minor wear marble base with small chips and larger one below plaque.