Modern Art - The Fate of The Spindle
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
It was originally commissioned by the shopping center developer and owner, David Bermant, a collector of modern art who also donated his BMW car to be placed second from the top of the sculpture. Shuler himself owned the red 1967 VW Beetle that crowned the sculpture. The foundation of the sculpture reached nearly 30 feet into the ground; the cost of erecting it was over $75,000. The sculpture has been featured in the film Wayne's World, on the cover of a book, on postcards, state tourist brochures, and maps. On August 28, 2007, it was featured in the syndicated comic strip Zippy the Pinhead.
The impaled cars on the spindle, from top to bottom, were:
1967 Volkswagen Beetle, red
1976 BMW New Class, silver blue; license plate reads "DAVE"
1981 Ford Escort, blue
1974 or 1973 Mercury Capri, green
1978 Ford Mustang, white over blue
1981 Pontiac Grand Prix, maroon or burgundy
1980 or 1979 Ford LTD, light yellow
1981 or 1979 Mercury Grand Marquis, blackAlthough the Pop Art installation was emblematic of Berwyn for two decades, it was not universally loved in its hometown. Just the presentation of the plans for its erection drew scathing debate in the city council, although no permit was really needed for artwork erected on private property. Throughout its existence, the sculpture was controversial amongst Berwyn residents, and in 1990 they voted overwhelmingly for it to be removed. However, the mayor of Berwyn described the sculpture as "icon in our community", and Bermant claimed that the shopping center received 30% more business than comparable shopping centers due to the quirky art around the center. When Bermant died in 2000, the artwork lost one of its major defenders and the shopping center changed hands. That set the stage for the sculpture's eventual removal.
Spindle being disassembled on May 2, 2008.
In July 2007, it was announced that the shopping center was to be partially redeveloped and that the site of the sculpture was earmarked for a new Walgreens store. Cermak Plaza already had a Walgreens but it lacked a drive-thru window, which the new structure would include. There was debate as to whether the sculpture should be relocated or simply removed due to the high cost of relocation (estimated at over $350,000). The uncertain future of the sculpture again sparked disagreement between residents who viewed it as a Berwyn landmark and those who viewed it as an eyesore.
On July 27, 2007, Chicago Critical Mass participants rode to Spindle in an effort to raise awareness of the sculpture. About 2,000 cyclists made the 14.8 mile trek from Daley Plaza in The Loop in support of the artwork.
Spindle being disassembled on May 2, 2008.
On August 1, 2007, radio station WLUP interviewed the Berwyn mayor; the main topic of discussion was Spindle. He stated that the sculpture's removal had been pushed to September 2007, and that it would most likely be moved down the street. The sculpture was even made available for purchase in an eBay auction, which ended April 17, 2008 with no bids.
On May 2, 2008, Robinette Demolition disassembled Spindle. A large crowd stood near the site, taking pictures. The top two cars were removed from the spike by a crane, and stored for future use. The base of the spindle was then cut, and the spindle (along with the remaining cars) was pushed over with a crane and later removed.
However, if sufficient funds can be raised, a new modified Spindle – featuring the old top two cars – may yet be erected. A group backed by the Berwyn Route 66 Museum and Berwyn Arts Council took possession of the two cars in 2012, along with a pole from a former Anderson Ford sign, with the intention of rebuilding a slightly-shortened Spindle in the museum's parking lot.
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