A Tribute to Henry, Stan & Ollie is a full size sculpture of a 1919
Model "T" Ford touring car. Hand
made parts carved mainly out of wood
and a life size soft sculpture of "The Boys," bring back memories of
the
slap stick this comedy duo was famous for. The 1926 license plate represents the
year Laurel & Hardy
first teamed up. The 1926 two reel movie "Forty Five
Minutes from Hollywood," headed a streak of nearly
100 films for comedy team.
The 1919 Ford touring car represents the age and style of cars driven by Laurel
&
Hardy in their many movies.
The 1919 Model "T" sculpture is quite
elaborate in itself. For example a realistic crank starts the motor when a dash board
switch is turned on and the sculpture boasts a roaring engine sound with the aid
of an internal electric motor. Look closely through the blades of the radiator when
the engine is running and you will see the spinning fan blade. Head, tail and side
lights may also be lit when the motor is running. The working, two man fold down
top, steering and realistic sounding horn brings out additional charm to this fme
sculpture of yesteryear.
Laurel & Hardy's heads are carved out of a wood
composition. Their human like eyes are radio controlled and their bodies are movable
to any position.
The builder, Gary O. Russeth, has a life
long love for the comical antics of Laurel & Hardy
and the engineering masterpiece
of the Ford Model "T".
This sculpture is currently on display at The Ellingson
Museum - Rogers, Minnesota
THE MAKING:
