Passersby in downtown Asheville got another surprise today as the iconic Flat Iron sculpture — knocked off its base in a Feb. 28 car accident — was gone. The sculpture was removed for “complete restoration,” according to a release from the city’s Parks and Recreation department.
The sculpture, which sits at the intersection of Wall Street and Battery Park Avenue, was removed this morning, according to the city. While damage from the accident itself was minor, “it was determined the piece should be restored and painted before being reinstalled,” according to the release.
“In the last year the City of Asheville conducted a conservation assessment of its entire public art collection including the Flat Iron,” the release state. “The assessment concluded the Flat Iron is in need of restoration to repair of paint loss, abrasions, corrosion and general cleaning.”
Helping in the restoration will be Asheville-based sculptor Reed Todd, the man who made the sculpture. The city hopes to have the famous iron back in its usual place within a month.
The full release is below.
Click here to see a photo gallery of the iron after the crash.
—David Forbes, staff writer
FLAT IRON SCULPTURE TO BE FULLY RESTORED AFTER CAR ACCIDENT
Asheville, NC – The Urban Trail Flat Iron sculpture was removed this morning from its location at the corner of Wall Street and Battery Park Avenue for a complete restoration. The sculpture was recently hit by an automobile which dislodged it from its metal base and moved the sculpture approximately six feet from its original location.
Although minor damage was done to the Flat Iron, it was determined the piece should be restored and painted before being reinstalled. In the last year the City of Asheville conducted a conservation assessment of its entire public art collection including the Flat Iron. The assessment concluded the Flat Iron is in need of restoration to repair of paint loss, abrasions, corrosion and general cleaning.
Local artist Reed Todd created the Flat Iron as part of the Urban Trail. Todd will also do the restoration and the sculpture is scheduled to be reinstalled at its original location within one month.
The Asheville Urban Trail is a walking tour through downtown Asheville that highlights the unique architecture, people, and historic events of the city.
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