Clinton's Bronze Age

As Memorial Day approaches and work to repair, clean and preserve the granite Civil War monument concludes, Clinton’s two bronze statues await their turn. These statues are not just gifts celebrating two of our town’s iconic citizens, but works of art by a man whose natural creative abilities flared during the latter half of the 19th century.

Artist and sculptor Launt Thompson (1833 – 1894) immigrated to America from Ireland in 1847 and settled in Albany, New York. Thompson immediately began to study at the Albany Medical College and instantly became recognized for his ability to draw anatomy diagrams. He was hired as an art studio apprentice in 1849. In 1858, Thompson moved to New York City and opened his own studio. He enrolled in the National Academy and participated actively in its endeavors into the 1880’s.

Thompson was best known for his work on busts and reliefs. In the year 1865, Thompson began his first large sculpture, Napoleon I. The 1870’s found major commissions granted by Congress, including statues of General Scott (1873) and Admiral DuPont (finished 1884). It was during this most productive time Thompson completed his work on the Abraham Pierson statue (1874) as well as the piece of Charles Morgan (1874). Both statues were commissioned by Charles Morgan.

Launt Thompson visited Europe and lived abroad for a total of nearly a decade. He returned to the U.S. in 1881 suffering from mental health disorders. He completed his final work, and only equestrian piece, General Burnside, for the city of Providence, Rhode Island in 1887. Launt Thompson died in 1894 after worsening mental disease led to him being institutionalized. He was estranged from his family and died penniless.

The Academy’s eulogy to Launt Thompson recalled his better days and reads in part, “During his active career, Mr. Thompson was among the most brilliant sculptors of this country, and his works in the Century Club, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other public places, are so fine, that it is a source of pride, that he was a member of this Institution.” (Dearinger, 2004)

Thompson’s works continue to be important pieces of communities large and small. Another of his Civil War bronze statues (completed in 1872) located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is also currently undergoing restoration by local Pittsfield Veteran’s groups.

Give the Boys a Bath is a community service project to clean, repair and preserve the town of Clinton’s three historically and artistically important statues during Clinton’s 350th anniversary. Donations from residents and businesses may be delivered to “Give the Boys a Bath” care of Liberty Bank, 8 Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413. To date $3000 of an estimated need of $15,000 has been raised. Thank you to all who have supported this endeavor so far!