Laura Gardin Fraser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laura Gardin Fraser
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| Born | September 14, 1889 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | August 13, 1966 (aged 76) Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Education | Columbia University |
Laura Gardin Fraser (born September 14, 1889 – died August 13, 1966) was a talented American sculptor. She was married to another famous sculptor, James Earle Fraser. Laura was also a cousin of the painter Agnes Pelton.
Laura Gardin studied art at the Art Students League of New York from 1910 to 1912. Her teacher there was James Earle Fraser, whom she later married. Laura designed many U.S. coins, sometimes by herself and sometimes with her husband. Some of these coins include the 1921 Alabama Centennial half dollar and the 1926 Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar.
In 1931, Laura won a contest to design a new quarter coin. This coin was supposed to feature George Washington on the front. However, the Treasury Secretary at the time, Andrew Mellon, chose a different design by John Flanagan instead. Laura's winning design was later used in 1999 for a special five-dollar gold piece. This coin celebrated the 200th anniversary of George Washington's death. From 2022 to 2025, her design is being used for the American Women quarters series. This series honors important American women. In 1924, Laura was chosen to be an Associate member of the National Academy of Design. She became a full member in 1931.
Early Life and Education
Laura Gardin was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1889. Her parents were John Emil and Alice Tilton Gardin. She went to elementary school in Morton Park. Later, Laura attended schools in Rye, New York, and New York City, including the Horace Mann School. She finished high school in 1907.
From a young age, Laura showed a natural talent for making figures and working with clay. Her mother, who was also an artist, helped her develop this skill. After high school, Laura briefly studied at Columbia University. Then, she joined the Art Students' League. It was during her time at the League that she met and learned from James Earle Fraser.
Sculpting Career and Famous Works
Laura Gardin Fraser is well-known for her coin designs and medals. But she also created large, important sculptures. One of her most famous works was a large statue of Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson on horseback in Baltimore.
In 1936, Laura won a competition to create this double equestrian statue. Six well-known American sculptors were invited to submit their designs. Laura Fraser was the only woman sculptor asked to join the competition. Her artwork was also part of the art contests at the 1928 Summer Olympics and the 1932 Summer Olympics.
In January 2016, a group in Baltimore suggested removing the statue of Jackson and Lee. They also suggested removing a statue of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. The group recommended that the Jackson and Lee sculpture be offered to the U.S. Park Service. They thought it could be placed in Chancellorsville, Virginia. The two Confederate generals had met there shortly before the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. The city of Baltimore removed the sculpture on August 16, 2017. This happened after some unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia, a few days earlier. The future home of this sculpture is still being decided.
Later Life and Legacy
Laura Gardin Fraser passed away on August 13, 1966, in Norwalk, Connecticut. She was 76 years old. She is buried next to her husband in Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, Connecticut. Her work continues to be recognized, especially with her design being used for the American Women quarters series.
See also
In Spanish: Laura Gardin Fraser para niños
