Bust of Sanford Steadman

Steffen Wolfgang George Thomas

Bust of Steadman Sanford, 1945

Bronze and Granite

While looking at the bust, ask yourself what do you notice? What jumps out immediately about the placement and location of Steadman Sanford? How is he looking out at the stadium? What significance do you think he holds to the university?

This bust was made in commemoration of Steadman Sanford, a man who played many roles at the University of Georgia and beyond. While at UGA, he began to develop a plan for the creation of a stadium which would propel forward athletics at the university as he worked to reorganize and improve the athletic programs. Sanford Field was the biggest stadium in the south at the time holding 30,000 people, and at its inaugural game on October 12th, 1929, nine governors from around the South were in attendance. His plans at UGA would not only change the football program forever but also transform football programs across the South. He would aid in founding the Southern Conference, or what we know now as the South Eastern Conference (SEC).

However, the bust may mislead those who gaze upon it that Sanford’s only or main contribution to the University of Georgia was in the athletics departments. Contrary to this, Sanford’s career at UGA was long and beloved by many, and he held many positions including instructor, professor, founder of the Henry Grady College of Journalism, head of Grady College, Dean of Franklin College, and President of the University of Georgia. Along with athletics, he cared deeply about improving higher public education in Georgia, and this care took him to his position as the 3rd Chancellor of the Board of Regents. There are pieces of Sanford and his legacy all around campus and in public universities across Georgia. Tragically, Sanford suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage while attending a Board of Regents meeting in Atlanta. After three days at the Emory hospital, he passed on September 15th, 1945.

Steffen Wolfgang George Thomas, or commonly known as Steffen Thomas, was commissioned to create a bust of Steadman Sanford shortly after his death. In a little over a month, the bust was finished and revealed to the public on the day of that year’s homecoming game against Louisiana State University, October 20th, 1945. Thomas completed many commissioned public works early in his career of other prolific Georgia figures including former Georgia governor, Eugene Talmaldge.

However, Steffen Thomas’ legacy lies outside many of his public commissioned work. Thomas was a German immigrant fascinated by the American Dream who immigrated to the United States in his twenties. He was one of the most prolific artists of his time in Georgia famous for working in any and all mediums. Many of his pieces connect back his portrayal of “Brotherhood of Man” as well as motherhood and family. He is one of the only artists to have a museum solely dedicated to his life, legacy, and work.

Now, the work of Steffen Thomas and the lasting legacy of Sanford continue to watch over Sanford Stadium every game day holdings stories, legacies, and achievements of its own.

Discussion Questions

Do you think the bust of Steadman Sanford and the way it is currently presented reflect his lifetime achievements? Think about where the bust is located behind a gate only to be accessed on game days. Why is this the way the bust is presented, and how does this reflect on Sanford’s legacy at UGA?

Many of Thomas’ public commissioned work falls outside of the themes of his legacy of work including brotherhood and family. How can art pieces work to show artistry on a continuum that is ever-evolving for an artist?

Activity

Sanford dedicated most of his career to improving the University of Georgia and public higher education in the South. Think of someone today who has had a lasting educational impact on the university or in your personal life. How would you present artwork of them? What kind of artwork would you choose to reflect their educational achievements and portray the impact they have had?

To Learn More…

Read:

“Sanford Mourned by Students, Faculty and State” The Red and Black, September 28th, 1945

“Chancellor Sanford Memorial To Be Unveiled Homecoming” The Red and Black, October 5th 1945

Steffen Thomas Museum of Art

Watch:

Steffen Thomas: No Less Than Truth