SPOILER ALERT: Shocking value of dad’s contribution to iconic Spiral Jetty revealed!
In a jaw-dropping revelation on the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow, a guest was left astounded by the incredible worth of his father’s involvement in the creation of the Spiral Jetty. The popular PBS series made its way to Salt Lake City for filming, where they met the son of a contractor who played a pivotal role in bringing Robert Smithson’s masterpiece to life.
The guest arrived with not only a signed photograph of the jetty but also a collection of diagrams drawn by Smithson himself, with assistance from his father during the construction phase. Recalling his childhood, the guest shared, “We had a large photograph of the Spiral Jetty hanging in our house for as long as I can remember. It was a photo that my dad loved and my mom didn’t quite appreciate as much.”
It wasn’t until the guest attended college and took an art history class that the significance of the photograph truly hit him. Opening his art history textbook, he stumbled upon the very same image that had adorned their family room for years. Overwhelmed by the discovery, he approached his father, exclaiming, “Dad, this is a big deal!”
The guest went on to reveal the challenges faced by his father during the construction process. Apparently, several contractors had turned down the job due to concerns about transporting equipment to the Great Salt Lake without causing damage. However, his father bravely accepted the task from Robert Smithson himself.
Having spent decades working in construction, building practical structures like roads and gas lines, this project held a special significance for his father. He preserved every detail, sharing stories of Smithson’s meticulous approach, which involved descending with large wooden lathes and climbing back up the hill to inspect the placement of rocks. Smithson was known to be incredibly particular about the construction process, ensuring that every aspect was executed with precision.
In a surprising twist, the guest revealed that the original design of the jetty resembled a big ‘J.’ However, Smithson instructed his father to transform it into a spiral, resulting in an additional cost of $3,000. The transformation proved to be a pivotal moment in the creation of the Spiral Jetty, giving it the iconic shape that it is celebrated for today.
This remarkable story of a father’s dedication and a son’s discovery is a testament to the enduring value of art and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Tune in to Antiques Roadshow to witness more incredible tales of hidden treasures and their astonishing worth.
EXCLUSIVE: Shocking Discovery Revealed on Antiques Roadshow
In a surprising turn of events on the popular TV show Antiques Roadshow, expert Betty Krulik dropped a bombshell about a collection of drawings. The drawings, believed to be the work of artist Smithson, were valued at an astonishing $47,500!
The drawings, which depict the famous Spiral Jetty, were analyzed by Krulik who commented, “What you have here are a variety of drawings with a variety of different detail.” She further explained that one drawing was a general piece, while another was the second version of the Spiral Jetty.
But what made these drawings truly valuable was the red pencil markings. The guest revealed that the red marks were made by their father, who used them to explain how things could be built. Krulik emphasized the importance of having the proposal and an autographed photograph to authenticate the drawings, as they were unsigned.
The expert then dropped the bombshell valuation. She estimated that each drawing, with their intricate detail, could be worth $15,000 in a retail gallery. Another drawing, showing the first and second versions of the Spiral Jetty, was valued at around $7,500. In total, the collection was valued at a staggering $47,500!
The guest was left speechless by the revelation. They expressed how their late father would have been delighted by the news, as he had recently passed away. The drawings were a testament to his passion and talent.
This incredible discovery on Antiques Roadshow proves that sometimes, the true value of art goes far beyond what we can imagine. Don’t miss out on more fascinating stories like this – watch Antiques Roadshow on PBS today!
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