By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Victory has returned to the Darwin D. Martin House. The Restoration Corporation Tuesday unveiled a replica statue of Nike - the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The graceful nine foot, six inch tall statue commands attention as it soars from its perch at the end of the long, elegant newly re-constructed pergola -just as Wright originally designed and intended.
The fiberglass resin version replaces the replica plaster cast of the classic Greek statue that originally graced the conservatory of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece.
Long-time volunteer Judy Kieffer was so moved by a mere image of the Nike that she donated its replacement in honor of her husband.
But the Nike has far more than inspirational or aesthetic appeal. Jack Walsh is Board President for the Restoration Corporation. Walsh said that the headless, winged statue was symbolic of Wright's personalized design for Martin.
And officials said that symbol of victory carries over to the rebirth of Wright's masterpiece.
Mary Roberts is Chief Operating Officer for the Restoration Corporation. She said the ongoing restoration effort will top $50 million when completed. And she said the project has had its fundraising and construction challenges along the way.
But Roberts said installation of the Nike is a true crowning moment.
The historic Martin House is open for tours during the ongoing reconstruction. And the Nike stands waiting to greet visitors as they pass by her in the conservatory.
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