Robert Graham 1938-2008
January 5th, 2009Back in 1999 FINE ART SHIPPING had the pleasure of collaborating with sculptor Robert Graham to arrange shipment of a major work to Kansas City. Dubbed “the big head” by our staff, this was indeed a huge bronze sculpture of the head of jazz great Charlie “Bird” Parker, shipped for the opening of the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City. Here is a link to more information on the Charlie Parker Memorial.
The shipping was a major undertaking and Mr. Graham kept his cool even as the enormous sculpture was craned from a site near his Venice CA studio into a waiting semi trailer. Given the dimensions of the sculpture this fit into the truck by the proverbial whisker, and the tolerances did not allow for the sort of “bullet proof” crating we would like to have done. So there were a few anxious moments as “Bird” swung near the sides of the truck before settling in nicely for the trip to Kansas City.
During preparations for this move and subsequent smaller shipments for his studio we developed a sincere appreciation for the depth and variety of his work and the professionalism and courtesy of his staff. Our condolences to his friends and family from everyone at FINE ART SHIPPING.
Betsy Dorfman
Tags: American Jazz Museum, bronze, Charlie Parker Memorial, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Robert Graham
February 5th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I love that sculpture!!