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Lot # 754: Magnificent 1972-73 Architect's Rendering of Original Giants Stadium

Category: Football

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Leland's Classic",
which ran from 2/14/2018 10:00 AM to
3/23/2018 10:00 PM



Fresh to the market, this colorful, framed original artwork is a gouache of the artist's architectural rendering of the proposed Giants Stadium design. Prepared by the firm Kivett & Myers of Kansas City, who commissioned architect Ron Labinsky to design the stadium, which was considered somewhat radical and pioneering for stadiums of the day. The rendering was painted in gouaches, watercolor and ink by illustrator Jules E Scheffer, also of Kansas City, and is signed on the art in his firm's usual Chartpack-type rubdown decal. He is now deceased, but we spoke with a former employee who ultimately bought his studio and confirmed that this was the work of Jules himself, and not of any employee. Edges, when removed from the frame and matte, revealed the architectural firm's name (spelled incorrectly) and the word "NEW JERSEY STADIUM #2", along with some other extraneous notes, numbers, and paint test strokes. The size of visible art, when matted, is 22x34". With matte, glass and frame, the size is a bit larger. The frame was opened, photographed, professionally re-matted and had its glass cleaned and refitted. It is interesting to note that after the stadium was built between 1972-76, Labinsky became friendly with Tim Mara of the Giants, and that relationship, along with the popularity of the stadium's design, led to a long career of stadium work for him and the firms where he worked. Opened in 1976, the multi-purpose stadium was replaced in 2010 by MeLlife Stadium which sits adjacent to its former site. This painting is an iconic symbol, and perhaps provided the world's first glimpse at what was to become the home to two major football leagues, including the multi-Super Bowl champs. We would guess that the rendering was published in advertising and publicity for the new stadium, but we have so far failed to find an extant example. This art would be perfectly suited for display in a private collection, public place such as a restaurant or hotel in the vicinity of the Meadowlands, or of course at the new MetLife Stadium in the offices of the Giants, the press-room, the clubhouse, etc.

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