Metal conservators and restorers Antique Bronze respond to the news that the Alamo or Astor Place Cube located in Manhattan is to be removed whilst work is carried out in the area.

For many New York residents and commuters, this is quite possibly the last opportunity they might have, for some time, to view, or spin one of Manhattan’s most famous sculptures, known simply as The Cube today. The Alamo, also known as the Astor Place Cube has stood proud on Astor Place in Manhattan’s East Village in New York City for almost 50 years.

Designed by one of America’s most celebrated outdoor sculptors, Bernard (Tony) Rosenthal, the sculpture is a well-known landmark, attracting millions of visitors weekly who pass by to spin the sculpture freely by hand, even when weighing in at 820kg. The news that the Alamo is to be temporarily removed whilst redevelopment plans are started in the area has raised much feedback from locals, hoping that the short term disappearance of such a unique and unusual piece of the city’s cultural history doesn’t cause too much upheaval.

‘Gothamist’, an online media consortium mentioned in a recent online post that ‘as part of the Astor Place Reconstruction Project, the Cube is being boxed up temporarily as a protective measure’ and that the sculpture would be “removed off-site for restoration”. At the centre of many cube-esque happenings, the Astor Place Cube has had its fair share of temporary alterations including promotional coverings, wool and yarn coatings and recently, a cardboard fascia of a Rubik’s cube.

London-based restoration experts Antique Bronze Ltd regularly react to news stories and developments relative to their industry across the world. Although the company operate only in the UK and specialise in ‘in-situ’ restoration, their spokesperson agrees with planning officials that the need to remove such an important landmark and sculpture during such important remodelling of the area is necessary due to the scale of remodelling:

“Maintenance is an integral part of any landmark or sculpture, particularly if operating with moving parts. The removal of such a piece of art from Astor Place is a wise decision and one we believe is crucial to avoid any damage to a well-known and much loved part of Manhattan’s East Village.

“Local residents reportedly love the cube; it has been a part of their lives for the last forty seven years and we believe now is the perfect time for experts to undertake restorative work to give the people of New York many more years of enjoyment.”

Established in 1955, with a strong reputation for outstanding knowledge and experience in conserving and restoring of monuments and architectural features amongst offering many other services, Antique Bronze Ltd are one of the most celebrated sculptural and architectural conservational service providers. To learn more, visit their website at www.antiquebronze.co.uk.