The Weaver

 

 On the grounds of the South Kingstown Public Library in Peace Dale, R.I. stands The Weaver, a recently (2002) restored bronze bas-relief sculpture by Daniel Chester French , best known as the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is French's only work in Rhode Island. Dedicated in October, 1920, it was commissioned by Caroline Hazard in memory of her father and her two brothers.  Click here for Photo Gallery.

 

The work depicts three life-size figures: a male weaver seated at a loom, a standing female spinner handing him thread, and a hooded female figure holding an hourglass. Above the sculpture appear these lines, written by Caroline Hazard:

 

LIFE SPINS THE THREAD TIME WEAVES THE PATTERN GOD DESIGNED
THE FABRIC OF THE STUFF HE LEAVES TO MEN OF NOBLE MIND
 
Below the bronze another inscription reads:
 
IN MEMORY OF A FATHER AND HIS SONS
ROWLAND HAZARD
1829-1898
ROWLAND GIBSON HAZARD
1855-1918
FREDERICK ROWLAND HAZARD

1858-1917

 

On the back of the monument is found:
 
DEDICATED OCTOBER 23, 1920
TO THE BLESSED MEMORY OF THESE THREE MEN
TO THE ENRICHMENT OF THE LIFE OF THIS
VILLAGE WHICH THEY LOVED
TO THE BEAUTY OF THE COMMON TASK
TO THE COMMONALTY OF NOBLE SPIRITS
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
WHOSE SERVANTS THEY WERE AND ARE
***
PLANNED SET AND INSCRIBED
BY
CAROLINE HAZARD
DAUGHTER AND SISTER
 

The sculpture was restored for the first time in July, 2002 by Daedalus, Inc., a Massachusetts professional conservation firm.

 

Photo gallery under construction.

Photos by Joseph McGovern

Text by Jessica Wilson