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Arthur Brisbane Monument map_it

History

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

This monumental pink granite tablet, inserted into Central Park’s perimeter wall along Fifth Avenue at 101st Street, honors journalist and newspaper executive Arthur Brisbane (1864-1936). The monument was dedicated in 1939 and designed by the architectural firm of Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. It includes a granite seat and shaft adjacent to the marker.

Journalist Arthur Brisbane began his career as the editor of Charles A. Dana’s newspaper the Sun. In 1896, he was named Sunday editor of the New York World by publisher Joseph Pulitzer. He became circulation director for the World, and later distinguished himself for his editorials in William Randolph Hearst’s rival paper, the New York Journal. Together, the two sensational and gossip-filled tabloids marked the beginning of “yellow journalism” in the United States.

Sculptor Richmond Barthe (1901–1989) created the low-relief profile effigy of Brisbane carved into the monument. Born in St. Louis, Mississippi, Barthe studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and at the Art Students League of New York. After completing his schooling, Barthe worked in a Jamaica, Queens studio on his trademark bronze sculptures.

Arthur Brisbane Monument Details

  • Sculptor: Richmond Barthe, 1901-1989
  • Architect: Shreve, Lamb and Harmon
  • Description: Shaft with bench beside it (all one piece) with sunken bas-relief medallion above the bench
  • Materials: Swenson's pink granite
  • Dimensions: H: 8' W: 14'10" D: 2'10"
  • Cast: ca. 1939
  • Dedicated: 1939
  • Donor: Friends
  • Inscription: ARTHUR BRISBANE 1864-1936 / AMERICAN EDITOR AND PATRIOT /
    HE SPREAD BEFORE ALL A PANORAMA OF THE EVENTS OF HIS / TIMES.
    HE WAS THE CHAMPION OF WORK AND PEACE BEFORE / ALL MANKIND.
    HE GAVE TO THE PEOPLE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING / OF THE HISTORY OF ALL AGES. HE IMPARTED / TO MILLIONS AN APPRECIATION AND LOVE OF THE LITERATURE / ART AND RELIGION WHICH HAVE ENNOBLED THE WORLD.

Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namings often in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, but not necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the year listed reflects the date of installation.

For more information, please contact Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8143

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