Benjamin Franklin, Craftsman (or Young Ben Franklin) (1981)

by Joseph Brown (1909 - 1985)

Title

Benjamin Franklin, Craftsman (or Young Ben Franklin)
Artist

Joseph Brown (1909 - 1985)
Year

1981
Location

Broad Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, near Municipal Services Building Plaza
Medium

Bronze (press textured to simulate wood) on granite base
Dimensions

Height 10′ (base 3′6")
Themes

Benjamin Franklins

Gift of the Pennsylvania Freemasons to the City of Philadelphia

Owned by the City of Philadelphia

At A Glance

Commissioned by the Pennsylvania Freemasons to celebrate their 250th anniversary
Installed near the Masonic Temple
Intended to memorialize Franklin as a printer and an artist

For the occasion of their 250th anniversary, the Pennsylvania Freemasons commissioned artist Joseph Brown to design a larger than life-size sculpture of Benjamin Franklin to be installed near their headquarters at the Masonic Temple at 1 North Broad Street (across from City Hall). This colossal figure of a young Benjamin Franklin working at a printing press was intended to memorialize Franklin as a printer and an artist, and to serve as a reminder of the dignity of the craftsman. The sculpture was dedicated and gifted to the City of Philadelphia on June 27, 1981.