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Oct. 29, 2001
Nov. 7, 2001
Nov. 16, 2001
Dec. 18, 2001
Jan. 29, 2002
Feb. 5, 2002
Feb. 20, 2002
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Mar.13, 2002
Mar. 25, 2002
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May 2, 2002
May 29, 2002
Jun, 13, 2002
Jul. 29, 2002
Aug, 16, 2002
Sep. 12,2002
Sep. 23,2002
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Dec. 05,2002
Mar. 07,2003
Mar. 25,2003
May 1, 2003
Jun. 13, 2003
Jun. 23, 2003
Jun. 13, 2002
The stainless steel armature system is now being installed into Vulcan's torso. The design of the armature consists of a series of one inch thick plates at each casting joint separated by structural angles forming a truss. Sculpture conservator Nick Veloz checks the position of a wooden mockup spear in Vulcan's right hand for proper alignment. The right hand is fitted to the right forearm in its 1904 configuration along with the spear mockup. The fingers of the right hand will be reattached after the new cast iron spear is in place. Patternmaker Tom Sanders prepares a new top for Vulcan's head which will be cast in iron. There is no photographic evidence which indicates Vulcan had a cap in 1904, however this is a very important addition to the statue for water and bird proofing the sculpture.
Jul. 29, 2002
The new spear nears completion. It is roughly 12 feet long and weighs 540 pounds. A lightning rod will be mounted on the top side of the spear head for protection of the statue and visitors when thunderstorms strike. Vulcan's second most famous casting is ready to erect. The stainless steel armature plates are in place. The armature system will be erected with the castings. A truss system of 4x4 stainless steel angles between the plates provide support and strength for wind loads. Vulcan's head is the heaviest casting weighing in at 11,000 pounds. The lifting rings in the forehead, sides and rear are installed in this photograph. These holes will be plugged in the field after the head is erected.
Aug. 16, 2002 Sept. 12, 2002
Vulcan's new hairpiece features a hatch which can only be opened from inside the statue. The purpose of the hatch is for periodic inspections and repainting in the future. A new hatch is being installed in the buttocks casting. This will be kept locked at all times except for yearly inspections. Vulcan's new hammer is the product of a great deal of research using enlarged photographs obtained from the Library of Congress. No one knows what happened to the 1904 hammer. Vulcan's new hairpiece is now permanently attached to his head thanks to welder Mike Nolen. This modification to Moretti's design was necessary to prevent moisture accumulation inside the statue.
Sept. 12, 2002 Sept. 23, 2002
The right hand is now inside the shop and has been re-positioned. The new hammer details were developed from images obtained from The Library of Congress AND The Keystone Mast Collection located at the University of California Riverside. The joints in the wrist and forearm will be filled with weldments to protect the support structure inside the castings. Careful measurements are being made on the right arm while it is erected in the shop. The right arm will be the last piece to be erected on Red Mountain. The arm and the head will be on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art from October thru January 2003. Reagan McCostlin applies a two component epoxy primer to Vulcan's Head. This is a two component paint which is mixed in a 50/50 ratio just prior to application. The primer provides a "tie coat" of paint between the zinc coating and the gray finish coat. Vulcan's Head will be moved to The Birmingham Museum of Art on Friday, October 4 for a special exhibit on Giuseppe Moretti. Moretti sculpted the plaster of paris original Vulcan in Passaic, New Jersey in 1903 and early 1904.
Sept. 23, 2002 Oct. 4, 2002
Fabrication continues on the stainless steel armature. These small segments will be installed in Vulcan's right arm. Vulcan's head begins its journey to The Birmingham Museum of Art. The "Vulcan Gray" finish was hand applied by Robinson painters. Vulcan's right arm accompanies the head on the trip to Birmingham. The right arm is comprised of ten castings including the new spear. All of the castings are tied to the armature system for additional stability and support. Vulcan's Spear is attached to the right hand with stainless steel bolts and angles which will not be visible from the ground or the restored tower balcony.
Oct. 4, 2002
Vulcan's head is now resting on the sculpture garden deck at The Museum. It will be on display as part of a special exhibit on Guiseppe Moretti the "father of Vulcan". The right arm is being lowered into position for the Moretti exhibit. Expert crane operators from Steel City Cranes worked with riggers from Robinson Iron to properly place the pieces. Steel City is located in Bessemer, Alabama.
The head and right arm arrive in Birmingham at the Museum. A special drop deck trailer had to be used to transport the head in order to clear the bridges and overpasses between Alexander City and Birmingham.