Wildlife and Western Heroes:
Alexander Phimister Proctor, Sculptor

May 1 - October 10, 2004
Special Exhibitions Gallery

"I am eternally obsessed with two deep desires - one, to spend as much time as possible in the wilderness, and the other, to accomplish something worthwhile in art."
- Alexander Phimister Proctor

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center presents the first major exhibition of the work of Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950), one of America's most prolific and successful sculptors of public monuments. Wildlife and Western Heroes: Alexander Phimister Proctor, Sculptor ran through October 10, 2004 in the Historical Center's Special Exhibitions Gallery.

Wildlife and Western Heroes: Alexander Phimister Proctor, Sculptor is the story of one man's adventure in art, unfolding over a period of nearly seventy years. Throughout his career Proctor received recognition, by his peers and the public, as the acknowledged leader among American animalier sculptors and as the nation's foremost creator of sculpted monuments of western themes. Examples of his monumental sculptures can be found in many major American cities, from New York and Washington, D.C. to Dallas, Denver and Portland, Oregon. The exhibition features over fifty sculptures by Proctor, including several plasters, and the work of other sculptors. Also included are paintings and etchings by Proctor and other artists as well.

Among Proctor's honors are the coveted Prix de Rome in 1898, Gold Medalist at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition for his ensemble of works commissioned for the United States Pavilion, and an appointment as Resident Sculptor at the American Academy in Rome in 1925.

Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950) enjoyed a long and rewarding life with a contagious sense of joy and an engaging, mild good humor. He embraced adventure, both physical and intellectual, and was pushed by a creative muse to great accomplishments in art.

Companion Publication

The companion publication, written by Peter H. Hassrick, is the first comprehensive monograph on Proctor and the story of his exciting journey through the world of art. With numerous illustrations in color and duotone, this volume presents the full range of Proctor's oeuvre, including monumental and studio sculptures, plaster and clay maquettes, and drawings. A series of seven essays covers the key influences and major achievements of Proctor's career, while the main catalogue section presents 52 of Proctor's most important works, and includes both major and monumental pieces. The volume also features rare archival and studio images, as well as personal recollections of the artist's son and grandson.

Organizer

Wildlife and Western Heroes: Alexander Phimister Proctor, Sculptor was organized by the Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth, Texas, and is made possible in part by Mr. and Mrs. Sebert L. Pate, the Mary Potishman Lard Trust, and the Ruth and Vernon Taylor Foundation. The companion publication is generously supported by a gift from the Proctor Foundation, Poulsbo, Washington.

Sponsorship

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center venue was made possible in part by the generous support of Gordon and Bobbi Barrows, Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Schwartz, Phimister and Sally Church, and Lowell E. and Bonnie Baier.

IMAGES

1. Photograph of Alexander Phimister Proctor, ca. 1880. Courtesy of A. Phimister Proctor Museum, Poulsbo, Washington.
2. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950). Panther, modeled 1891-1892, cast initially ca. 1893. Bronze, 37 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 9 3/4 in. Loan from A. Phimister Proctor Museum, Poulsbo, Washington. L.258.2003.36
3. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950). Pursued, originally modeled 1914 and remodeled 1928, cast no. 1 of Gorham Company QZZ edition. Bronze, 17 x 23 x 5 1/2 in. Buffalo Bill Historical Center. William E. Weiss Fund Purchase. 11.75
4. Alexander Phimister Proctor in his studio, ca. 1921. A. Phimister Proctor Museum Archives, Poulsbo, Washington.
5. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950). Moose, ca. 1907. Bronze; 19 ½ x 15 x 5 ½ in. Buffalo Bill Historical Center, 53.61.
Additional Images from the BBHC Exhibition:
4. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950). Bust and Horse Head from Theodore Roosevelt (The Rough Rider), ca. 1920. Plaster. A. Phimister Proctor Museum, Poulsbo, WA.
5. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950). Indian Maiden and Fawn, 1926. Bronze. University of Oregon Museum of Art, Eugene, OR. Gift of Estate of Narcissa J. Washburne.
6. Alexander Phimister Proctor (1860-1950). Pioneer Mother (Equestrian), 1927. Bronze. Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Gift of the A.E. Clegy Family.
7. Selection of A. Phimister Proctor's Personal Objects.