Conceptual Art and Claes Oldenburg

Clothespin 

Cor-Ten and stainless steel sculpture, 1976

Claes Oldenburg’s 45-foot-high, 10-ton sculpture stands above the SEPTA subway station staircase, just across the street from Independence Hall, shown above, at 15th and Market Streets, in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

About six years ago, while visiting my grandparents, who have since passed away, I was in Center City Philadelphia and although I walked underneath the Clothespin on my way out of the subway station I didn't actually see it until I came back later for the return trip. It's slightly behind the staircase...so unless one looks up and back in the direction of the station, it's possible to miss it. When I did finally see it on my way back I was gobsmacked. Where did this thing come from? I still haven't found out who commissioned it, but I love the thing like an old friend. If one looks closely one sees the 'spring' up high on the 'pin'. I consider this curving spring a tongue in cheek homage to the Rococo building that is Independence Hall, capturing Mr. Oldenburg's sense of humor not only in the sculpture itself but in its juxtaposition to Independence Hall. Good job, Claes! I asked my Grandmom what people thought of it when it went up in 1976. She shrugged and said, "Not much." This confirmed my sense of it as a somewhat controversial installation. I mean, a 45 foot tall clothespin? For real? Yeah, for real. And I love it.

P.S. 9/15/11
Encouraged by a story I heard from a co-worker who lived in Center City Philadelphia, I've done a little research regarding the commission of Clothespin.

Here's what Wikipedia has to say:
The complex, Center Square, is best known for Claes Oldenburg's sculpture, Clothespin, located in the plaza in front of the building. A fan of contemporary art, developer Jack Wolgin commissioned three art pieces for Philadelphia's percent for art program. The pieces, Oldenburg's Clothespin, Jean Dubuffet's Milord la Chamarre, and a series of banners by Alexander Calder, were noted for helping Philadelphia gain a reputation for the promotion of public art.

Meanwhile, while poking around at Wikipedia regarding over sized clothespins I also came across this claim:
There is a 5-foot clothespin grave marker in the Middlesex, Vermont, cemetery.

Coincidentally I live quite close to Middlesex, Vermont. I will post again here if I am able to confirm this claim!