Wind Harp
The spectacular monumental sculpture was originally commissioned in 1967 as a focal point for the 600-acre Cabot, Cabot and Forbes Industrial Park. Designed by world-renowned artists, Aristides Demetrios and Lucia Eames, the sculpture is one of the world’s largest aeolian harps. Aeolian harps are musical instruments that are played solely by wind movement. The sculpture’s prime hilltop location, 243 feet above sea level, not only offers a panoramic view of the region, but takes advantage of the S.F. Bay Area wind patterns to create the unique, ethereal sounds. It was fabricated from a special weathering steel manufactured at Bethlehem Steel in Pennsylvania. This Mayari R carbon steel rusts to form a protective oxide coating that effectively seals out corrosion.
In January 1993, the City Council pursued acquisition of the sculpture which had fallen into disrepair. Overcoming hurdles and with support from Genentech and other community advocates, the property was finally acquired by the City in January 1996. The rededication on March 28, 1997, was exactly thirty years after the original dedication.
In addition to collaborating on the creation of the Wind Harp, Aristides Demetrios and Lucia Eames were distinguished artists each in their own right, with works in private collections as well as in the public art arena. Aristides Burton Demetrios was the son of a classical sculptor who trained under a student of Rodin. His mother was an award‐winning illustrator. Also trained as a classical sculptor, he was interested in developing his own style of contemporary art. In the 1960’s, he moved to Northern California and pursued his successful, over 60-year career.
Lucia Eames was married to Demetrios at the time the Wind Harp was constructed. Her pedigree is equally notable. Her father was Charles Eames, who was celebrated for the Eames chair, among other design achievements. A Bay Area resident, her artistry and accomplishments were evident in her sculptural metal works and graphic designs that were reflected in her furniture, printmaking, photographic and textile creations. In 1988, she established the Eames Foundation for the preservation of the Eames Office and Eames House in the Pacific Palisades.
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Location
Grandview Drive, near Genentech., South San Francisco 94080 View Map