Ceramic Monumental Sculptures and
WPA Permanent Works

Following are the monumental works and WPA project permanent works in Washington, DC and in Menlo Park, NJ by American sculptor Waylande Gregory, 1905-1971. He rediscovered/revitalized the execution of monumental ceramics lost to civilization for 5,000 years. He constructed a honeycomb structure upon which he layered clay. Most of the monumental works including the two below, were fired at his kiln which he built in Bound Brook, N.J.(Warren). All works were high-fired so they could withstand sub-zero temp. For larger works, Gregory had clay mixed commercially in Trenton, N.J., in accordance to his formula.

Left: MOTHER & CHILD; 1939; Gregory with Ton sized; 74x34x32"; Part glazed ceramic.
Right: Gregory with WATER; 72x39x35"; Part glazed ceramic. Part of 1939 NY World's Fair Fountain of Atom.


Below: THE SWIMMER: 1936; 36x55x21" Part glazed ceramic. This is Gregory's first successful monumental works. It was fired in Perth Amboy, NJ at a commercial kiln; which he was allowed to use. It was executed to be partially submerged in water and pipe placed in fishes mouths to expel air(motorized) and create movement in the water. However, Gregory was unsuccessful. Later when plastic was invented, I tried with the plastic pliable tubing but that didn't work either.


Below: LIGHT DISPELLING DARKNESS; fountain located in Menlo Park, NJ. Centershaft is 20-feet high; surrounded by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Gregory added two more; Materialism and Greed.
Left: Death - Right: Greed


Below: Frieze; 81 feet; in Washington, DC Municipal Building, 1943. Frieze consisted of 400, 14x14" tiles, 50 life-size characters; glazed in earthy colors. This panel shows police brutally hitting on men and directly underneath housed the Police Department who took offense to this panel and wanted it removed. As his defense Gregory stated he had all drawings previously approved and further he did not want policemen to appear as being sissies.

Gregory appealed to his friend Paul Manship; who appealed to his friend Mrs. Roosevelt; who appealed to Edgar Hoover and it was settled. The panel will remain but the entrance door to the courtyard to view the frieze would be kept locked. At that time Gregory was Director of Sculpture of the Federal Arts Project for the State of New Jersey. He then resigned and this was his last WPA project. About three decades the door was kept locked until the tenants moved to another Municipal Building.

for comments: E-mail: gregoryw@bellatlantic.net

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