Wikipedia

Hughlette Wheeler

James Hughlette Wheeler (April 24, 1901 – December 25, 1955) also known as "Tex" Wheeler, was an American sculptor renowned for his lifelike depictions of cowboys, cattlemen, and horses.[1][2] Known as the "Cowboy Sculptor," Wheeler's work captured the essence of the American West and the spirit of the equestrian world. Some of his most famous works include a life-sized statue of "Seabiscuit" and a life sized statue of the renowned jockey, George Woolf, and statues of cowboy entertainer Will Rogers.[1]

Hughlette Wheeler
Born(1901-04-24)April 24, 1901
Christmas, Florida, United States
DiedDecember 25, 1955(1955-12-25) (aged 54)
Christmas, Florida, United States
OccupationSculptor

Early life and education

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Wheeler was born to James and Nora Ida Wheeler. He had one sibling, a sister three years his junior. Their mother died when Wheeler was five years old, leaving the children to be raised by friends and family members. Their father, described as a poor provider, largely abandoned them until they were old enough to work around the home.[1][2] His teen years were spent as a cowhand in the wilds of Orange and Osceola Counties in Central Florida. During this time, he created one of his first pieces: a cow's head whittled from a cowhorn using a pocket knife.[1][2]

Early artistic development and recognition

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In 1925, at age 24 he matriculated at the Cleveland School of Art, today called Cleveland Institute of Art for sculpture,[1][3] having never modeled until 1923 but showing natural aptitude.[3][4][5] Wheeler's artistic potential was recognized by his father's first cousin from Cleveland, Ohio. This relative offered him room and board to attend the Cleveland School of Art, with tuition paid by an aunt.[2] When asked to make a flower out of a piece of clay, Wheeler instead crafted a horse so impressive that his teacher had it cast in bronze.[2][4] The first mention of him in a newspaper appears to be in the local paper, September 1926, where he is both praised and criticized, "Being a student he still has faults."[6]

While in college, he was successful doing commissions of favorite animals of wealthy polo pony owners earning several thousand dollars for many.[7][8] His first student works were purchased by Cleveland book store owners Korner & Wood Galleries.[3] In his first year, it's reported he sold 5 bronzes that had been cast in bronze at a foundry in France.,[9][10] and the following year had some of his work handled by Tiffany. In his second year he was being referred to as a prodigy in local newspaper and his work was on display in a local gallery.[11] By 1928 he had his work in the Cleveland Museum of Art.[7][9]

He studied under Russian-American sculptor, Alexander Blazys.[12][13] While in art school, he won him the Herman Matzen Scholarship to study a year in Europe / Paris.[7][14] The Orlando Evening Star quoted Matzen as saying, "Wheeler will be greater than Remington as an interpreter of wild things and fine animals."[7] In 1930, in Paris he became a pupil of the great French sculptors, Despiau, and Gimond.[4][15]

It was during his time at art school, Wheeler says he was given the nickname "Tex".[16] It was during his years at Cleveland School of Art that Wheeler said, "I have learned to model the human figure. When I first went to school I could do horses and steers."[7]

One of his early pieces, "The Hard Pull," depicted a cowboy throwing his weight on the off stirrup, helping his horse keep its feet while dragging a steer out of a bog. The tension and struggle were so vividly rendered that the unseen steer became almost visible to viewers.[3]

The proportions and positions of Wheeler's first three models were indeed so natural that one teacher declared they had no "art" in them,[3] they were "too natural".[13][17] However, even this criticism, which paradoxically praised Wheeler's accuracy, faded away when Wheeler returned from a visit to the Messrs. Korner & Wood with a quotation of $625 apiece for his first works.[7] This significant valuation of his early pieces demonstrated the immediate recognition of Wheeler's exceptional talent and the commercial appeal of his naturalistic style.[3]

Critical acclaim and comparisons to Western art legends

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By January 1927, Wheeler's work was gaining significant attention. The Time magazine article of January 10, 1927, which reported on Wheeler's rapid rise to prominence, noted that "Fame impended" for the young artist from Florida.[3] By April 1932, he has featured on the front page of The Los Angeles Times and called by the paper, "Cowboy Sculptor Master of His Craft."[4] This early recognition set the stage for Wheeler's long career as one of America's preeminent sculptors of Western and equestrian subjects.

Time magazine reported that for two months, Clevelanders had been admiring his small white plaster sculptures of horses and men, which experts declared were superior to anything of their kind ever before produced in the United States.[3]

Wheeler's emergence came at a pivotal time in Western art. Frederick Remington, known for his paintings and models of Western plains life, had passed away in 1909. Charles Marion Russell, a Montana-based cowboy artist celebrated for his authentic depictions of ranch life, had died in 1926. In this context, Wheeler was seen as a potential successor to these giants of Western art.[3][7][17] Will James, a respected cowboy artist and writer from Great Falls, Montana, gave Wheeler's work a resounding endorsement. After viewing Wheeler's casts in Cleveland, James stated, "I have seen the work of the best of 'em - sculptors of cowboy life, that of Frederick Remington and Charles Marion Russell, and today's the first day I've ever seen a real cowboy ridin' a real cowpony."[12]

Wheeler's work gained international recognition when his work was part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics,[18] though he did not win a medal.

Notable works and exhibitions

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Wheeler's sculptures gained significant recognition and acclaim. His work was exhibited at several prestigious venues, including:

His works can be found in notable collections including the Amon Carter Museum (Fort Worth), Will Rogers State Park (Santa Monica), Will Rogers Memorial Museum (Claremore, OK), Santa Anita Park (Seabiscuit statue and George Woolf statue), National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Ridgewood Ranch, the permanent collection at the Fort Christmas Historical Park, and at Pebble Hill Plantation in the Elisabeth Ireland Gallery.

Seabiscuit and George Woolf statues

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Perhaps Wheeler's most famous work is his statue of the racehorse Seabiscuit. Commissioned by Charles S. Howard, Wheeler cast two statues of Seabiscuit in 1940-41 while the horseracing legend was still alive.[34]

Legend had it that Wheeler would not work with a horse he did not like, going through painstaking observation and detail to capture his subject's personality.[1] Seabiscuit, once considered an unmanageable nag, was described by Wheeler as a "highly satisfactory model" during their time together.[35] Wheeler made two castings of the Seabiscuit statue:

  1. The first and best-known resides in the walking ring at Santa Anita Park. Unveiled in February 1941, the revealing was attended by thousands, including Seabiscuit himself.[1] This statue remains a staple of the track's layout to this day.
  2. The second statue initially resided with Seabiscuit at Ridgewood Ranch until Charles Howard's death in 1950 led the surviving family to sell the property. It was then relocated to Binglin Stables in Moorpark Ranch, California, owned by musician Bing Crosby and Lindsay Howard, Charles Howard's son.[35]

By the mid-1990s, the elements had taken their toll on the second statue. Kittredge Collins, the great-grandson of Charles S. Howard, recognized the need to preserve its integrity and donated it to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York.[35] The statue was unveiled there in June 1996.[34]

In 2007, Chris and Anita Lowe, England-based benefactors of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, funded a project to create a replica of the piece. This duplicate was toured around the country before being permanently placed at Ridgewood Ranch, bringing a version of the monument back to its original resting place along with its subject, who is buried on the property.[34][36]

Following the success of the Seabiscuit statue, Wheeler created another significant work for Santa Anita Park: the bronze statue of jockey George Woolf. Sculpted in 1948, this statue stands as a testament to one of Seabiscuit's primary riders and a legendary jockey in his own right.[1][37][38]

The George Woolf statue was erected in 1949, with an inscription on its black marble base indicating it was "Sponsored by the California Turf Writers" and "Erected by the Public."[37]

The presence of both the Seabiscuit and George Woolf statues at Santa Anita Park creates a lasting tribute to the golden age of horse racing, preserved through Wheeler's skilled hands.

Eight of Alhambra and Artist Alley

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A significant chapter in Wheeler's artistic life unfolded in Alhambra, California, where he became part of a remarkable but lesser-known art colony.[39][40] This colony was centered on Champion Place, a short, tree-lined street that ended in a cul-de-sac, just off Main Street where Alhambra becomes San Gabriel. This unassuming location, nicknamed "Artist Alley" or "Little Bohemia," was home to some of the most prominent names in American art during the 1920s and 1930s.[40]

Wheeler was part of a group dubbed "The Eight of Alhambra," which included Norman Rockwell, Frank Tenney Johnson, Jack Wilkinson Smith, Eli Harvey, Victor Forsythe, Sam Hyde Harris, and Marjorie Reed.[41][42] Unlike the more cohesive "The Eight" associated with the Ashcan School, Alhambra's Eight came from diverse backgrounds and worked in various art styles.[40]

Wheeler's time in Alhambra allowed him to work alongside and learn from other distinguished artists. Frank Tenney Johnson,[39][2] in particular, played a significant role in this artistic community. Johnson, considered the Western master and heir to the cowboy throne after Charles Marion Russell and Frederick Remington, had moved to Champion Place in 1926.[40] When Johnson died in 1939, Wheeler used his studio to sculpt his best-known work, the life-size statue of Seabiscuit.[39][40]

It's also reported that movie stars like Tom Mix, Gloria Swanson, and Will Rogers, who was a friend of several of the artists, visited the colony.[40] As well as artists Charles Marion Russell, J.R. Williams, Ed Borein, and Dean Cornwell.[39]

Known Bronze Sculptures

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"Just for Fun” (1926), "The Hard Pull" (1927), "Loosened Up" (1927), "Hard Heads" (1931), "Polo Player" (1929), "Following the Ball" (two polo players), "Tail Shot" (rider and pony) (1928), "Dog Gone" (of bronc  bustin), “Ride 'Im, Cowboy”, "Howdy Boys", "Bronc Twister", "Pep", (1929), "Two of a kind", (man and horse, sculpted in Paris)(1930), "The Bronc Twister" (1931), "The Mix-Up" (1926), "Cowboy Fun" (1926), "Orphan Boy" (1927), “Mrs E.C. Higby” (2 of her) (1929), “Sunrise” (1929), “Raw Material” (1928), “Molly Blossom” (1928), Will Rogers on His Horse (1936), “Let’r Buck” (1929), “The Storm” (1929), “Russell Boy” (1929), "The Flop" (1929), "Portrait of a Pony" (for Harvey Firestone), "Stage Hand" (for Harvey Firestone), "Sweet Briar" (1928), "J.R. Williams", "First Call to Dinner" (Bronze Mare and Foal), (Paris, 1930), "Trail Time", "The Steer Bulldogger," "Hereford Bull", "Kayak II" (for Charles S. Howard), "Noor" (1950).[43][13][2][8][25]

Later years and legacy

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In 1942 he was in Santa Monica making a life-size model of Will Rogers on his favorite riding horse, Soapsuds, but the life-sized statue was never cast in bronze.[39] The work resulted in two 1/4 sized plaster sculptures, one on display at Will Rogers State Park, and on display at Will Rogers Museum.

1943, Wheeler was struck by severe rheumatoid arthritis,[1] which significantly impacted his work and health.[2] He struggled with constant severe pain and turned to alcohol for relief.[2] Despite these challenges, he continued to create. "He had arthritis everywhere but his hands," said his only daughter Betty.[5]

Wheeler passed away in his cabin,on December 12, 1954, in Fort Christmas (now simply called Christmas), Florida, following a fatal heart attack brought on by his ongoing health issues.[2]

Wheeler's work is considered rare.[2][39] His legacy lives on through his sculptures, which continue to capture the spirit of the American West and the beauty of equestrian life.

Willard Porter, writing in The Western Horseman magazine 15 years after Wheeler's death, summed up his impact: "Hughlette Wheeler, the cowboy-sculptor from the Sunshine State, was a genius."[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j By (July 20, 2003). "SCULPTOR CAPTURED SPIRIT OF LEGENDS". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Hughlette Wheeler - Biography". askart.com. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Art: Cowboy". Time. January 10, 1927. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Millier, Arthur (April 1, 1932). "He Rides and Models Horse, Cowboy Sculptor Master of His Craft". The Los Angeles Times. pp. Front Page.
  5. ^ a b Andrews, Mark (April 4, 1999). "Ranchers son carved out quite a name for himself". The Orlando Sentinel. pp. D.
  6. ^ Kelly, Grace V. (September 26, 1926). "Sculpture in Greater Cleveland Found in Flourishing Condition". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 7.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Robinson, Elizabeth (July 7, 1929). "Hughlette Wheeler Wins Matzen Scholarship to Study a Year in Paris". Orlando Sunday Reporter-Star. p. 10.
  8. ^ a b c "Wheeler Work Is On Display". The Evening Reporter-Star. February 25, 1931. p. 12.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ a b Jacobs, Gladys (December 11, 1929). "Art Gallery is Opened on Rollins Campus". The Fort Meyers Press. p. 2.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ Kelly, Grace V. (December 16, 1928). "Art Realm Notes". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 17.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ a b Glasier, Jessie (November 14, 1926). "Museum Displays Special Collection for Children". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 8.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ a b c Dean, Nina Oliver (February 7, 1937). "A Cowboy Sculptor; Hughlette Wheeler's Horses Actually Look Real". The Sunday Sentinel Star. p. 11.
  13. ^ a b c d e Brinegar, David F. (May 25, 1932). "Cowboy Sculptor Who Stuck to His Ideas Is Now Famous". Arizona Daily Star. p. 14.
  14. ^ a b Kelly, Grace V. (May 26, 1929). "Sculptors Display Fine Work at Show". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 7.
  15. ^ "Hugh Wheeler is Back From Long Journey". The Evening Reporter-Star. January 5, 1931. p. 3.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ^ "Fort Christmas Sculptor does Will Rogers Statue". Orlando Reporter-Star. May 12, 1939. p. 4.
  17. ^ a b "Sculptor Who Achieved Fame Despite Ridicule, To Visit City in March". The Dayton Daily News. February 20, 1927. p. 12.
  18. ^ a b "Hughlette Wheeler". Olympedia. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  19. ^ Kelly, Grace V. (December 21, 1930). "News of the Galleries". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 11.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ "Dramatic and Feature Section". The Plain Dealer. February 19, 1928. p. 70.
  21. ^ Kelly, Grace V. (May 6, 1928). "Looking at the May Show Once More". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 8.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ "Art Gravure Section". Cleveland Plain Dealer. May 20, 1928. p. 84.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ "Wheelers Work Will be Show at the Fair". The Sunday Reporter-Star. February 2, 1930. p. 10.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ^ "News of the Galleries". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 14.
  25. ^ a b Kelly, Grace V. (November 11, 1934). "Exhibitions and Among Artists". Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 15.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ "At the Exposition". Orlando Morning Sentinel. February 25, 1931. p. 1.
  27. ^ "Ridin Fool". Daily News. November 1, 1932. p. 15.
  28. ^ "Music and Art". Los Angeles Times. October 30, 1932. p. 18.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ^ "Sculptor to Exhibit Statuettes In News Tower Tomorrow". Miami Daily News. January 20, 1934. p. 4.
  30. ^ "Cowboy Sculptor Puts Cartoonist in Bronze". The Arizona Republic. February 11, 1934. p. 4.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ^ Mummert, Sallie Blyth (July 19, 1936). "Exhibition of Paintings and Sculpture by Famous Artists". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 19.
  32. ^ "Rare Desert Painting Group of Bronzes Exhibited at Gallery". The Desert Sun. January 13, 1939. p. 2.
  33. ^ "Mary Duke Biddle Gallery". The News and Observer. November 26, 1967. p. 44.
  34. ^ a b c "SEABISCUIT STATUE OFFICIALLY UNVEILED". Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  35. ^ a b c Nevills, Joe (May 28, 2024). "Saratoga Statues: Seabiscuit's Cross-Country Journey To The Hall Of Fame". Paulick Report | Shining Light on the Horse Industry. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  36. ^ Kozel, Gary (January 18, 2006). "Seabiscuit bronze statue returns to Ridgewood Ranch". IconBronze.com.
  37. ^ a b "George Woolf Statue". Los Angeles Explorers Guild. September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  38. ^ "Noted Sculptor Making Statue of Georgie Woolf". The Los Angeles Times. August 15, 1948. p. 29.
  39. ^ a b c d e f Samuels, Peggy; Samuels, Harold (1976). The illustrated biographical encyclopedia of artists of the American West (1st ed.). Garden City, N.Y: Doubleday. ISBN 978-0-385-01730-5.
  40. ^ a b c d e f Clawson, Michael (February 1, 2018). "Masters at Champion Place". Western Art Collector (126).
  41. ^ "Marjorie Reed Gallery". Marjorie Reed. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  42. ^ Rasmussen, Cecilia (March 7, 2004). "When Babe Was in Boy Land of Golfing - San Gabriel". Los Angeles Times. pp. B5.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. ^ "Cowboy Bronzes". The Miami Daily News. January 19, 1934. p. 30.
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