Antique Bronze Bust of William Sargent Ladd 1890 by Olin Levi Warner

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This stately Victorian era bronze bust was created by American sculptor Olin Levi Warner (1844-1896). It honors a rather dignified … Read more This stately Victorian era bronze bust was created by American sculptor Olin Levi Warner (1844-1896). It honors a rather dignified bearded gentleman, Portland OR entrepreneur and politician William Sargent Ladd (1826-1893).

Ladd served two terms as mayor of Portland and was also the principal backer and promoter of many large companies, including the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, Oregon Telegraph ok, Oregon Central Railroad, and the Portland Hotel, among others. His massive home has long been razed, but its equally impressive carriage house still stands in Portland and has been home to a number of businesses, most recently the Raven & Rose restaurant.

Olin Warner has other ties to Portland, including his Skidmore Fountain, which graces a square in the town's historic district and is known to be Portland's oldest piece of public art, dedicated in 1888. He also did a plaster bust of "Mrs. William S. Ladd" (Caroline Ames Elliott Ladd), which resides at the Portland Art Museum, and a sculptural plaque of Charles Elliott Ladd, son of William and Caroline, which found a home in the Smithsonian, among other examples of his work.

Both Warner and Ladd are intriguing and accomplished historical figures, worthy of study.

No foundry mark is found on the bust, which is not uncommon for Olin Warner, but on the back of the bust, there is a clear engraving in large script, "William Sargent Ladd. Born October 10, 1826. Olin L. Warner, Sc 1890." See less