Allow Me (Portland, Oregon)

Allow Me
Umbrella Man
A bronze statue of a man in a business suit; in one hand he is holding an umbrella, while his other arm is extended.
Allow Me and (inset) the descriptive plaque mounted in the brickwork of Portland, Oregon's Pioneer Courthouse Square
Map
ArtistJohn Seward Johnson II
Year1983 (1983)
TypeBronze sculpture
Medium
  • Bronze
  • aluminum
  • stainless steel
Dimensions210 cm × 110 cm × 130 cm (82 in × 45 in × 50 in)
Weight460 lb (210 kg)
LocationPortland, Oregon
Coordinates45°31′07″N 122°40′46″W / 45.518685°N 122.679453°W / 45.518685; -122.679453
OwnerCity of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council

Allow Me, also known as Umbrella Man,[1] is a 1983 bronze sculpture by John Seward Johnson II, located in Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Oregon, United States. The sculpture, one of seven Allow Me casts, was donated anonymously to the City of Portland in 1984 for display in the Square. It depicts a life-sized man dressed in a business suit, hailing a cab and holding an umbrella. Constructed from bronze, aluminum and stainless steel, the sculpture stands six feet, ten inches tall and weighs 460 pounds. The sculpture is one of many works of art generated by the city's Percent for Art program, and is considered part of the City of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council.

After ten years, in 1995, the sculpture was removed from its pedestal and transferred to California for its first major restoration. To maintain its shine, Allow Me receives cold wax coatings every year. It is a popular tourist attraction and local landmark which serves as a reference point for gatherings, or political rallies. Allow Me has received a positive reception and is renowned for its realistic appearance; the 'Umbrella Man' has been called the "most photographed man in Portland", and serves as a symbol of the city and its residents.

Description and history

Main article: Allow Me
Detail of the statue

The Portland sculpture is one of seven casts of John Seward Johnson II's Allow Me. It was designed and completed by Johnson in 1983 and is constructed from bronze, aluminum and stainless steel. In 1984, the sculpture was donated anonymously, but in the name of Harry H. Schwartz, to the City of Portland and dedicated for display at Pioneer Courthouse Square.[2] This square is one of the most popular and often visited squares in the state of Oregon. In 2004 the square was named the fourth best public square in the world by New York's Project for Public Spaces.[3] Allow Me is situated on the south side of the Square just above the amphitheatre and is seen as welcoming visitors there. The sculpture depicts a life-sized man dressed in a business suit, "hurrying across the square" and hailing a cab.[4][5][6] He holds an umbrella,[7] which some people have interpreted as an offering.[8][9] He wears a watch and a rhubarb-colored tie; his index finger points towards the Meier & Frank Building, adjacent to the Square.[10][11] Allow Me measures 82" x 45" x 50" and weighs 460 pounds.[12][13] The sculpture is part of the City of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council.[2] It is one of many works of art generated by Portland's Percent for Art program.[14]

In July 1995, the sculpture was removed from its pedestal and shipped to Stellar Artworks in Van Nuys, California for cleaning and restoration. It received a glassbead peening to remove the effects of birds, human hands, pollution and precipitation, plus a coat of incralac, a lacquer-based acrylic resin coating.[12] The restoration was funded by an anonymous donor and involved Art Work Fine Art Services, Industrial Craters & Packers, O'Neill Transfer Co., Smith Masonry Contractors and the Regional Arts & Culture Council.[12] This marked the sculpture's first restoration since 1985.[15] Allow Me receives cold wax coatings each year to maintain its shine.[12]

The sculpture has been used as a reference point for gatherings.[16][17] There have been instances when the sculpture was used to make a statement or act as a prop. In 2011, Occupy Portland demonstrators outfitted Allow Me with a peace sign, a Guy Fawkes mask and a "We are the 99%" sign.[18]

The statue was vandalized in 2020.[19]

Reception

Allow Me dressed in winter clothing in December 2013

The Architecture Foundation of Oregon called the sculpture a "popular icon" for Portland.[9] 'cultureNOW' suggested that the depicted subject could be the "most photographed man in Portland"; the project described Allow Me as one of the "most recognized and beloved" sculptures in Portland, serving as a symbol of the city for both residents and tourists.[2] Elaine S. Friedman, contributor to The Oregon Encyclopedia, wrote that Allow Me mimics Portland's pedestrians.[5] In its guide of Portland's public art and architecture, Moon Publications described the sculpture as being "so realistic that you'll look twice".[20][21] Another description by Portland Community College asserted that the work is so lifelike that people have attempted to initiate conversation with the 'Umbrella Man'.[22] Spencer Heinz of The Oregonian wrote that the sculpture "serves for some as a symbol of the civility that frames the city's incomplete image of itself."[10]

In 2011, Sunday Parkways presented spoke cards to donors depicting the sculpture, among four additional cards showing other iconic images of the city.[23] In Willamette Week's annual "Best of Portland" feature for 2011, the "Best Portland Tattoo" award went to one resident whose Portland-themed sleeve tattoo included Allow Me, among its other landmarks.[24]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Pioneer Courthouse Square: Portland, Oregon". American Planning Association. Archived from the original on April 15, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "Allow Me, 1983". cultureNOW. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  3. ^ "Pioneer Courthouse Square: The Heart of Downtown Since 1984" (PDF). Pioneer Courthouse Square. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  4. ^ "Public Space, Public Transport Gel in Portland's Pioneer Square". Project for Public Spaces. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Friedman, Elaine S. "Pioneer Courthouse Square". The Oregon Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on May 21, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  6. ^ McInerny, Vivian (April 1990). "A Passion of the People: Portland's cultural scene". The Rotarian. 156 (4). Rotary International: 33. ISSN 0035-838X. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  7. ^ "Pioneer Courthouse Square". Portland Parks & Recreation. Archived from the original on March 10, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  8. ^ Mortenson, Eric (October 11, 2008). "Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square named a top U.S. public space". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN 8750-1317. Archived from the original on January 7, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Architecture in Oregon: Treasures: Pioneer Courthouse Square". Architecture Foundation of Oregon. Archived from the original on 2013-07-23. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  10. ^ a b Heinz, Spencer (September 5, 2004). "Life in the Living Room". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN 8750-1317.
  11. ^ Burningham, Lucy (December 31, 2007). "The Oregon Philanthropy Awards". Oregon Business. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  12. ^ a b c d Hicks, Bob (July 12, 1995). "Bronze Umbrella Man Flees Rain to Buff Up in the California Sun". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN 8750-1317.
  13. ^ "Public Art Search: Allow Me". Regional Arts & Culture Council. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
  14. ^ Jackson, Reed (July 20, 2012). "What Portland gets from its Percent for Art program". Daily Journal of Commerce. Portland, Oregon: Dolan Company. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  15. ^ Franzen, Robin (July 5, 1995). "Allow Him a Break". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. p. B01. ISSN 8750-1317.
  16. ^ Howd, Jason (May 10, 2008). "S for Scientology: Masked Protesters at Portland Church of Scientology". Willamette Week. Portland, Oregon: City of Roses Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  17. ^ Saker, Anne (October 21, 2011). "In downtown Portland, Beavers band meets Occupy Portland; everyone plays nice, especially the tubas". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN 8750-1317. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  18. ^ Haberman, Margaret (October 6, 2011). "Occupy Portland hits town with cast of thousands for massive, peaceful demonstration". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN 8750-1317. Archived from the original on May 16, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  19. ^ Ryan, Jim (November 30, 2020). "Portland's 'Umbrella Man' statue vandalized; umbrella removed for repairs". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  20. ^ Jewell, Judy; McRae, W. C. (March 15, 2011). Portland Public Art. Avalon Travel. p. 40. ISBN 9781612380926. Retrieved May 6, 2013. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)[permanent dead link‍]
  21. ^ Jewell, Judy; McRae, W. C. "Portland Public Art and Architecture". Moon Oregon (8 ed.). Moon Publications. Archived from the original on May 1, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  22. ^ Moser, Sue (November 15, 2005). "Portland Sculptures". Portland Community College. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  23. ^ Navas, Melissa (June 22, 2011). "Sunday Parkways rolls into North Portland with longer course, dancing and activities". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon: Advance Publications. ISSN 8750-1317. Archived from the original on August 29, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  24. ^ "Best of Portland 2011: Best Sights & Sounds". Willamette Week. Portland, Oregon: City of Roses Newspapers. July 27, 2011. Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Allow Me (Portland, Oregon).

Read other articles:

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso Drapeau du Burkina Faso Armoiries du Burkina Faso Devise Unité, Progrès, Justice[1] Hymne Ditanyè Fête nationale 11 décembre · Événement commémoré Proclamation de la République (1958) Administration Forme de l'État Dictature militaire Président de la Transition Ibrahim Traoré Premier ministre Apollinaire Joachim Kyélem de Tambèla Parlement Assemblée législative de transition Langues officielles moré, dioula, bwamu, peul Depuis décembre 2023, le français a pe...

 

Giovanni Coppa

Giovanni CoppaKardinal-Deakon San LinoKardinal Coppa pada tahun 2012ImamatTahbisan imam2 Januari 1949Tahbisan uskup6 Januari 1980oleh Paus Yohanes Paulus IIPelantikan kardinal24 November 2007oleh Paus Benediktus XVIPeringkatKardinal-DeakonInformasi pribadiLahir(1925-11-09)9 November 1925Alba, ItaliaWafat16 Mei 2016(2016-05-16) (umur 90)[1]KewarganegaraanItaliaDenominasiKatolik RomaJabatan sebelumnyaUskup Agung Tituler Serta (1980–2007)Nunsius Apostolik untuk Cekoslowakia (...

 

Neith

Disambiguazione – Se stai cercando altri significati, vedi Neith (disambigua). Neith recante uno scudo sulla testaNeit recante la corona rossa Neith (anche nota come Nit, Net e Neit) è una divinità egizia appartenente alla religione dell'antico Egitto. Era la patrona di Sais, nel Delta occidentale. Originariamente Neith fu la dea della caccia e della guerra ed ebbe come simboli di potere, come la città stessa di Sais, due frecce incrociate sopra uno scudo come corona divina e il bastone...

Брачный союз

У этого термина существуют и другие значения, см. Брак. У этого термина существуют и другие значения, см. Супружество (значения). Пьетро Перуджино «Обручение Девы Марии». Межличностные отношенияТипы отношений Агамия Брак Броманс Вдовство Гражданское партнёрство Дружба З...

 

Lobo, Batangas

Municipality in Batangas, Philippines This article is about the Philippine municipality. For other uses, see Lobo. Municipality in Calabarzon, PhilippinesLoboMunicipalityMunicipality of LoboFrom top to bottom: Downtown, Malabrigo Point Lighthouse, Lobo River, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Municipal Hall FlagSealEtymology: WolfNickname: Atis Capital of the Philippines[1]Anthem: Himno ng LoboMap of Batangas with Lobo highlightedOpenStreetMapLoboLocation within the P...

 

约翰斯顿环礁

此條目可参照英語維基百科相應條目来扩充。 (2021年5月6日)若您熟悉来源语言和主题，请协助参考外语维基百科扩充条目。请勿直接提交机械翻译，也不要翻译不可靠、低品质内容。依版权协议，译文需在编辑摘要注明来源，或于讨论页顶部标记{{Translated page}}标签。 约翰斯顿环礁Kalama Atoll 美國本土外小島嶼 Johnston Atoll 旗幟颂歌：《星條旗》The Star-Spangled Banner約翰斯頓環礁�...

Basilika Santo Sebastianus, Acireale

Basilika Santo SebastianusBasilika Minor Santo Sebastianusbahasa Italia: Basilica Collegiata di San SebastianoBasilika Santo SebastianusLokasiAcirealeNegara ItaliaDenominasiGereja Katolik RomaSejarahDedikasiSanto SebastianusArsitekturStatusBasilika minor, gereja kolegiatStatus fungsionalAktifGayaBarokAdministrasiKeuskupanKeuskupan Acireale Basilika Santo Sebastianus (bahasa Italia: Basilica Collegiata di San Sebastiano) adalah sebuah gereja basilika minor Katolik bergaya Barok ya...

 

Anastasia Fesikova

Russian swimmer Anastasia ZuevaPersonal informationFull nameAnastasia Valeryevna FesikovaNicknameNastyaNational team RussiaBorn (1990-05-08) 8 May 1990 (age 33)Voskresensk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[1]Weight70 kg (154 lb)[1]SportSportSwimmingStrokesBackstrokeClubPenza school of Olympic reserveCoachNatalia Kozlova Medal record Women's swimming Representing Russia Olympic Games 2012 London 200 m b...

 

أليس بيالياتسكي

أليس بيالياتسكي (بالبيلاروسية: Аляксандр Віктаравіч Бяляцкі)‏    معلومات شخصية اسم الولادة (بالبيلاروسية: Аляксандр Віктаравіч Бяляцкі)‏  الميلاد 25 سبتمبر 1962 (62 سنة)  فيارتسيليا  مواطنة الاتحاد السوفيتي (25 سبتمبر 1962–)[1] بيلاروس  عضو في مجلس التنسيق (بيل...

Energy policy of the Soviet Union

Overview of the energy policy of the Soviet Union The energy policy of the Soviet Union was an important feature of the country's planned economy from the time of Lenin (head of government until 1924) onward. The Soviet Union was virtually self-sufficient in energy; major development of the energy sector started with Stalin's autarky policy[1] of the 1920s. During the country's 70 years of existence (1922–1991), it primarily secured economic growth based on large inputs of natural r...

 

Glossary of meteorology

List of definitions of terms and concepts commonly used in meteorology This glossary of meteorology is a list of terms and concepts relevant to meteorology and atmospheric science, their sub-disciplines, and related fields. Contents:  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z See also References Part of a series onWeather Temperate and polar seasons Winter Spring Summer Autumn Tropical seasons Dry season Harmattan Wet season Storms Cloud Cumulonimbus cloud Arcus cloud Downb...

 

Luther W. Mott

American politician Luther Wright MottMember of theU.S. House of Representativesfrom New YorkIn officeMarch 4, 1911 – July 10, 1923Preceded byCharles L. KnappSucceeded byThaddeus C. SweetConstituency28th district (1911–13)32nd district (1913–23) Personal detailsBorn(1874-11-30)November 30, 1874Oswego, New YorkDiedJuly 10, 1923(1923-07-10) (aged 48)Oswego, New YorkPolitical partyRepublicanAlma materHarvard UniversityOccupationBanker Luther Wright Mott (November 30, 1874 –...

Achromatic lens

Lens that is designed to limit the effects of chromatic and spherical aberration Achromat redirects here. For form of color blindness, see achromatopsia. Chromatic aberration of a single lens causes different wavelengths of light to have differing focal lengths. An achromatic doublet brings red and blue light to the same focus, and is the earliest example of an achromatic lens. In an achromatic lens, two wavelengths are brought into the same focus, here red and blue. An achromatic lens or ach...

 

Richard Brown (Ohio politician)

American politician from Ohio For other people named Richard Brown, see Richard Brown (disambiguation). Richard BrownBrown in 2023Member of the Ohio House of Representativesfrom the 5th districtIncumbentAssumed office June 28, 2017Preceded byHeather Bishoff Personal detailsPolitical partyDemocraticSpouseSuzanneResidenceCanal Winchester, OhioAlma materUniversity of Cincinnati (BA)Ohio State University (JD)OccupationAttorney Richard Brown is an American attorney and politician w...

 

Ichijō Sanetsune

In this Japanese name, the surname is Ichijō. Ichijō Sanetsune Ichijō Sanetsune (一条 実経, 1223 – August 30, 1284), son of regent Michiie, was a kugyō or Japanese court noble of the Kamakura period (1185–1333). He was the founding father of the Ichijō family, one of the five regent houses which monopolized regent positions in Japan's imperial court. He held regent positions kampaku in 1246 and from 1265 to 1267, and sessho from 1246 to 1247. Ietsune and Saneie were his sons....

Potoci, Pljevlja

For other uses, see Potoci. Village in Pljevlja, MontenegroPotoci ПотоциVillagePotociLocation within MontenegroCoordinates: 43°21′35″N 19°15′19″E / 43.3597°N 19.2553°E / 43.3597; 19.2553Country MontenegroMunicipality PljevljaPopulation (2011) • Total89Time zoneUTC+1 (CET) • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST) Potoci (Serbian Cyrillic: Потоци) is a village in the municipality of Pljevlja, Montenegro. Demographics According ...

 

Ze'ev Raban

Ze'ev Raban, 1930 Ze’ev Raban (22 September 1890 – 19 January 1970), born Wolf Rawicki (Ravitzki), was a leading painter, decorative artist, and industrial designer of the Bezalel school style, and was one of the founders of the Israeli art world.[1] Biography Raban with Bezalel Torah ark Early life and education Wolf Rawicki (later Ze'ev Raban) was born in Łódź, Congress Poland, and began his studies there. He continued his studies in sculpture and architectural ornamentation ...

 

Abysmal Evenings

1996 studio album by Paul SchützeAbysmal EveningsStudio album by Paul SchützeReleased1996GenreAmbientLength59:25LabelVirginProducerPaul SchützePaul Schütze chronology Fell(1996) Abysmal Evenings(1996) Shiva Recoil: Live/Unlive(1997) Professional ratingsReview scoresSourceRatingMuzik[1] Abysmal Evenings is the ninth album by composer Paul Schütze, released in 1996 through Virgin Records. Track listing All music is composed by Paul SchützeNo.TitleLength1.Red Hand3:122.Slo...

Aranyvirág

Jenő HuszkaAranyvirág (Fioradora, perhaps; literally Gold flower) is an operetta in three acts by Jenő Huszka. It was premiered on 6 November 1903 and was the first opening performance at the Király Színház (King Theatre) in Budapest, Hungary. The libretto is by Ferenc Martos and Károly von Bakonyi.[1] Plot Act I Ellen and Harry the young and rich American couple arrive at Napoli as tourists. Aranyvirág, a girl from Napoli, makes an agreement with Ellen for them to swap places...

 

National Incident Management System

Multi-agency disaster response model for national civil defense The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a standardized approach to incident management developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program was established in March 2004,[1] in response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5,[1][2] issued by President George W. Bush. It is intended to facilitate coordination between all responders (including all levels of government ...