All Photos By Gail
In NYC, you will come across amazing discoveries every few feet if you just keep your eyes open. I was walking to the train from a fun visit to the newly-reopened Metropolitan Museum of Art when this unique, wrought iron sculptural door caught my eye. And how could it not: It looks like a medieval Dragon is struggling to burst forth from behind a cage onto the sidewalk! Very Scary!
While I did not want to trespass onto private property, I did sneak a bit closer so that I could get a good detail shot of the Dragon’s head. It is super cool! I have no clue who the artist is [Note: the artist was recently identified in the comments as Walter Vogelsberg] but what an awesome thing to have designed to make this building stand out. I wonder if Game of Thrones fans live there?
They’ve also kept the design cohesive by adding these spider-web-like guards to the first floor windows. This place is officially ready for Halloween all year long. Well done!
These Architectural Features are Part of a Five-Story, Three-Unit Building (According to Street Easy, Although I Suspect it’s a Private Home) Located at 52 East 81st Street between Madison and Park, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
I agree that the wrought iron sculptural door is really eye-catching. The design is very detailed, and I like the mysterious vibe of the medieval dragon. The spider web design is also impressive. The door screams power and dominance. While it gives an all-year Halloween atmosphere, it also represents an excellent art piece. The door can keep the property safe and offers creativity at the same time.
The artist Walter Vogelsberg wrought this commissioned piece entirely by hand. Solebury Forge is his company name. He’s my father. And yes, I am proud! It took him the better part of 2 years in the mid 80s, if I recall correctly.
He’s a Bucks County, PA artisan. He has quite a lot of work scattered about NYC, but most of it is never seen by the public, except in magazines or museums. His skill is unsurpassed by any blacksmith in the world, according to me anyway!
I was so thrilled to see this, I cried. He has recently contracted leukemia and hasn’t been able to work for over a year. As with most artists, his lack of 401K and retirement benefits has left him sick and destitute, with only friends and state aided insurance to rely upon. He would absolutely hate knowing I was airing this in a public forum. I’m sorry Wally! But I miss him so much.
I haven’t been able to visit once ever since he got sick and I’m scared I’ll never get a chance again. Please look after your friends and loved ones who are artists. They rarely ever have health or life insurances, and often fall through the cracks of disability benefits and other government aid as they don’t exactly have a bureaucratic mindset usually.
Thank you so much for sharing one of the wonderful memories from my childhood.
Gratefully yours, Jennifer Randolph.