The Watts Towers in South Los Angeles will be the subject of a new study conducted by experts from UCLA to determine the stability of the historic sculptures, which were completed by Simon Rodia in 1954. The study, now underway, is expected to be completed by early next year. — latimes.com
5 Comments
I feel so privileged.
Biggest danger was corrosion on the metal enforcements. I am glad UCLA is putting money in it. In my opinion it is the most beautiful and meaningful public art in Los Angeles that people neglected for decades. If it wasn't for few people it would have been erased by the City... Majority of Angelinos have never seen the Towers. More here.
This is really good news!
Yes privileged.
I remember that Sunday at dawn when we climbed the scaffolding to the top. Photographing, documenting and being entwined and among the towers. Broken tiles, Plates, coffee cups teapots, cemented to ring after ring circling the tower and ever upwards to the top. At the pinnacle glass bottles bottoms cut out, laid end to end, like insect antennae. And the view, unobstructed to the Pacific. Awesome.
The photograph of Orhan is also the view looking westward in line to LAX in the distance. All flat land terminating at the Ocean. Watts Tower is around 104th Street and Central directly south of Downtown parallel to Imperial Highway, which also terminates at the Southern end of LAX. So much for the Watts Towers geography
Did Simon Rodia have a day job? Was this thing granted a permit?
Truly, it's quite a sight, a work of tireless craftsmanship, and the only real icon of an area of L.A. that is typically disparaged. So, how can one not love the Watts Towers? I've never been. I wonder how likely tourists, or locals, are willing to frequent this landmark as a result of its location.
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