Gallery

Note: The Creation Sculptures for Washington National Cathedral, Indiana limestone, (1977-1984) are the tympana Creation of Day, Ex Nihilo, Creation of Night and the three trumeau figures of Saint Peter, Adam, and Saint Paul. The bronze edition of Figures and Fragments from the Creation Sculptures comprise the Washington National Cathedral Collection (2002-2007). The plaster models are depicted in the photos below.

Frederick Hart’s home studio in Hume, Virginia is brought back to life in the Lila D. Bunch Library. Here, you can see his plaster and clay works, displayed on his tables and chairs. His tools lay on the table behind The Source.

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The Frederick Hart Studio Museum is the faithful re-creation of the studio Hart built in 1988 at Chesley, the family farm in Hume, Virginia. Sculpting tools, original clay, molds, plasters, and inspirational memorabilia are pulled together to bring to life the creative process of one of America’s preeminent sculptors of the last century and to ensure that his legacy continues to shape the future of art.

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Plaster models for Ex Nihilo: Fragment No. 2 and Figure No. 7 lead to Hart’s office desk. The items placed on the desk by Hart’s wife, Lindy Hart and two sons, Lain and Alexander Hart, are items typically found there on any given day. A photograph of Hart and his mentor Roger Morigi has pride of place on the wall above the desk. Just to the right is the plaster model of Saint Peter, one the three trumeau figures for Washington National Cathedral.

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Plaster models for Ex Nihilo figures and fragments are displayed throughout the museum. Also pictured is the plaster model of Adam, one of the trumeau figures.

Figure #6 (Ex Nihilo) and the male and female figures of Celebration can be seen, as well as Hart’s internationally-renowned acrylic sculptures.

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Plaster model for Ex Nihilo Figure No. 6 and the plaster models for Celebration.

Hart’s plaster model of Ex Nihilo is dramatically displayed on the wall. An early version of the work, as well as the Creation of Day and the Creation of Night are also on display.

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Plaster model for Ex Nihilo, Working Model.

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On display are many prototypes of Hart’s ground-breaking cast clear acrylic works. Some pieces feature Hart’s notations in indelible marker denoting changes to be made in composition or in cuts for faceting. Also on display are plaster models for acrylic prototypes offering a unique window into the complete acrylic process including the patented embedment technique.

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Plaster models for Ex Nihilo: Figure No. 7 and Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Also pictured is the plaster model for Daughters of Odessa. An editioned bronze of Daughters of Odessa was presented to HRH Charles, Prince of Wales.

Plaster models (left to right) for Ex Nihilo: Fragment No. 2, Fragment No.7, and Fragment No. 3 surround Hart’s worktables and desk. Hart liked to create art while listening to an eclectic collection of tapes and CDs. Often playing in the gallery, this music serves as an immersive soundtrack to your museum experience.

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Plaster models (left to right) for Ex Nihilo: Fragment No. 2, Fragment No.7, and Fragment No. 3 surround Hart’s worktables and desk. Inspired by music Hart listened to an eclectic collection of tapes and CDs which have been saved and serve as a soundtrack enhancing the immersive quality of the museum experience.

An interior shot of the Frederick Hart Studio Gallery. This museum is a recreation of Hart’s studio, based on photographs and his family. Belmont University is the sole repository for any pieces not commercially available. These include process pieces, molds, and clay and plaster pieces.

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A worktable holds a grouping of molds, plaster models, and acrylic prototypes based on photographs and recollections of Hart’s family. Belmont University is the sole repository of this one-of-a-kind collection from the working studio of Frederick Hart, American master sculptor.

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Plaster model for the James Earl Carter Presidential Statue, bronze, Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia,1994 (foreground).

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Plaster model, Daughters of Odessa, foreground. Plaster models for Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the background.

Christ Rising, Bronze,1978, Atrium of the Lila D. Bunch Library .

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Christ Rising, bronze,1978, atrium Lila D. Bunch Library.