The original plaster Frank the Baggage Handler that was on display at the Lloyd Gallery has been moved to a new permanent location in the Lower Mainland. The new owners are proudly displaying the artwork in the entryway of their home along with a little of their own baggage. Some of the original suitcases from the Penticton Roundabout display has also found its way there and are being utilized as a part of their landscaping.
The original “Frank” was initially installed on January 4th 2005 in the Penticton Marina way roundabout. He soon made international news when the Penticton Mayor insisted that the nude statue’s genitalia be obscured – a move that was subsequently vetoed by council vote on the 7th of January 2005. Frank again made international news when continuous vandalism (that included the spray painting of the pubic area green and the removal of the penis) forced the artist to remove him from the installation.
More controversy erupted when I (at the advice of the Canadian Conservation Institute) insisted that a qualified conservator restore the work. Since the work was in the possession of the city when the vandalism occurred I felt that the work should be repaired at the City’s expense. Eventually I sued the City and won my case in small claims court.
The restored work was put on display at the Red Rooster Winery tasting room in July of 2005 and eventually bronzed for a permanent outdoor display at the winery. After the Lloyd Gallery was destroyed by fire in 2007 and re-opened in November of the same year the artist put the original plaster work on display at the new location of the Gallery.
The first bronze Frank (which is an edition of 3) is owned by the Red Rooster Winery and will continue to be displayed on their grounds
Photos and more information can be found at the my websites Michael Hermesh and The Baggage Handler
