The Studio of Georges Washington Bridges, 1921-76
Georges Bridges was a renown interactional sculptor whose work is exhibited around the world. He was mentored by famed sculptor Lorado Taft, who while at dinner with the Bridges in 1921, inspired Georges to begin sculpting by digging up clay from the pink house yard. Georges’ most famous work is the statue of Brother Bryan that stands in Five Points in downtown Birmingham. He also created the Thomas Jefferson statue at the Jefferson County Courthouse, along with many others across the world. During the depression, George led the local New Deal initiative and taught unemployed men the craft of sculpting for public enjoyment in parks across the city. It is important to note that George did not take on the spelling of Georges until around 1940, at the request of his wife Eleanor.
Georges in the pink house studio on March 6, 1931. Working on a nun statue. The pot at his feet still resides in the garden at the pink house.
Georges working on a sculpture inspired by the 1934 Birmingham screening of “No Greater Glory.” The actress depicted, Lois Wilson, was a Birmingham native. She was a silent film actress and her comeback was this movie.
A gorgeous fountain is affixed the front of the studio wall in the garden. Pictured Eleanor and Georges Bridges.
Photo Stamped Aug 6 1934 shows the original back of the studio (far right) with a large opening for loading and unloading pieces.
The best view of the sculpture studio sometime after 1942. The studio is far left of the home with a total of 4 large windows.
Unknown date. The side view of the Studio between 1944-1980. Before glass garden house and roof over back door to studio. Flat roof design.
Georges in the studio on May 16, 1931. “Sleep” sculpture resides at the pink house today. David (standing) was featured in the states Garden show that year along with Sleep with an array of local roses. They won 2nd place. To the far left, I believe this is a laughing nude “Venus” that was proposed for a fountain in Wilson Park in downtown Birmingham.
The door to the studio (pictured in 2019) was handmade by Georges. Photo by Virginia Jones.
The studio (pictured in 2019) stands to the left of the house and is accessed from two external doors.
2019 View of back of studio entrance (far right)
2019 view of original door to studio made by George(s) and original studio tile walls
2019 image of sculpture studio. It was used as a storage room with shelves from 1987-2019, the previous owners painted the floor between the shelves blue. You can see the original color elsewhere.