Long known for its unique sculptures, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden works to captivate visitors with its abstract sculptures and structures. Now, the garden is moving toward becoming a designated local landmark site.
For over 20 years, the garden fought, often unsuccessfully, to secure legal protections. Now, at the direction of Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, the Gilgal Sculpture Garden is moving to become a designated local landmark site. Supporters of the action spoke in front of the Salt Lake City Planning Commission, which unanimously approved the recommendation on Aug. 26. The issue is now set to appear in front of the City Council.
Gilgal statues and sculptures
The Gilgal Statues are the life’s work of the artist and masonry contractor Thomas Battersby Child, Jr., a devoutly religious man, who actualized his desire to serve God through his artwork. Many of the statues and sculptures found within the flowered garden are inscribed with excerpts from the Bible. They also include many quotes which he drew inspiration from, such as Lady Liberty’s “The New Colossus” inscribed upon one of the stones.
Beginning his project in 1945, Child often traveled across the state to pick the right stone for his intended projects. Often using an oxyacetylene torch, Child would carve intricate details into the stone to achieve his desired result…