The Fords at Berry

Henry and Clara Ford (center) pose for a picture outside the Berry College Chapel with Berry students. The picture was made during one of the Fords' numerous visits to Berry.

Henry and Clara Ford

I was excited when Berry College approached me to sculpt Henry and Clara Ford for the Ford Complex restoration, though I knew this would be a challenging commission.

To sculpt the Fords, I had to do some research. When I tried to acquire some photographs from the Dearborn Museum, I realized it would take more time than I had to send photos back and forth to them. So, I relied on the Berry College Archives for the bulk of my information. In their books were several wonderful photos, and from them, I developed an idea of what kind of head Henry had.

The Berry Archives had some fascinating candid shots of the two of them while visiting the campus. It struck me that Clara always wore a hat in public and a lovely fur thrown around her neck. She was quite stylish, which always inpressed the female Berry students. She was also cordial and had a sincere smile.

I found a willing model, who had been a student at Berry when Mrs. Ford visited, and I found a beautiful hat for her to wear. We discussed Mrs. Ford while I sculpted. This commission was exciting and interesting because of the historical component.

Please visit my Ford Gallery to view more images of these special commissions.