P. T. Barnum, (sculpture).

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P. T. Barnum, (sculpture).

Ball, Thomas, 1819-1911, sculptor.

Longstaff, George W., architect. (attributed to)

Royal Foundry, founder.

Longstaff & Hurd, architectural firm.

P. T. Barnum, (sculpture).

Phineas T. Barnum, (sculpture).

Designed 1885. 1887-1888. Dedicated July 1893.

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: bronze; Base: limestone.

Sculpture: approx. 100 x 44 x 78 in.; Base: approx. 6 ft. 6 in. x 5 ft. x 8 ft.

(Proper right side of sculpture:) T. Ball. Sc. 1887. signed

A larger than life-sized portrait of P.T. Barnum, seated in a chair. Barnum wears an open jacket, vest, bow tie, and watch chain. He holds a book in his proper left hand and originally held a pencil (now missing) in his proper right hand. The sculpture sits on a classical limestone and brick pedestal, with three curved limestone risers and a low scrolled pier at each corner.

Portrait male -- Barnum, P. T. -- Full length

Performing Arts -- Circus

Occupation -- Political -- Mayor

Object -- Written Matter -- Book

Occupation -- Monetary -- Philanthropist

Outdoor Sculpture -- Connecticut -- Bridgeport

Administered by City of Bridgeport, Parks & Recreation Department, 45 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604

Located Seaside Park, Foot of Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut

P.T. Barnum (1811-1891), was a prominent citizen of Bridgeport and a benefactor of the city. In addition to operating "The Greatest Show on Earth," he devoted much of his time to civic affairs, served as mayor, and was founder of Mountain Grove Cemetery. He gave part of the land for Seaside Park, established the Barnum museum, and developed residential areas for moderate-income people.

The sculpture was commissioned by Barnum's partners and school children contributed money towards the cost of the base. Barnum modeled for the sculpture, prior to his death. George W. Longstaff, of Longstaff & Hurd, is believed to have designed the memorial's base. Four relief plaques on the base were stolen in 1992. The plaques featured a Greek style funeral procession, and included a panel with school children skipping along. IAS files contain clippings from New York Times, Metro, Nov. 1 1992; and Sept. 26, 1993, Connecticut section, pg. 2. Additional undated, unidentified clippings are on file at Historical Collections, Bridgeport Public Library. For further reading see: David W. Palmquist, "Bridgeport: A Pictorial History," (Virginia Beach, VA: Donning Company, 1981), p. 92. At time of 1993 SOS! survey, the figure had been removed from the base and was housed at Cavalier Renaissance Foundry for restoration.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Connecticut survey, 1993.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985.

National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, CT5010, 1989.

Monumental News, Feb. 1889, July 1891.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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