If you’ve ever wandered down 1st avenue in Seattle there’s a statue that you’re probably well aware of. It stands guarding the outside of the Seattle Art Museum, hammering away 24/7. Since its installation in 1992, it’s been one of the most popular pieces of public art in the city. But did you know that it fell over once?
Yep, all 48 feet and 22,000 pounds of Johnathan Borofsky’s Hammering Man tumbled on September 28th, 1991. Now just how did this happen? Well because of its massive size, a lift-strap supporting the sculpture snapped, causing it to fall about one foot. No biggie right? Well, the force of the impact meant that the whole statue actually had to be shipped back to the foundry in Connecticut where it was produced.
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Whomp Whomp. While the accident really sucked, it was pretty impressive that no one was seriously injured. To make matters even better and maybe a tad bit comical, photographer John Stamets managed to snap some pics from a rooftop across the street. Now don’t get too freaked, today the Seattle Hammering Man is well secured and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
It continues to stand as a testament to women and men of the working class. The anonymous man will continue to hammer forevermore, just like us. Another cog in the wheel right? We kid, anyway, go pay the Seattle Hammering Man a visit next time you’re downtown.
