This Couple Found a Mysterious 150-Pound Sculpture Buried in Their Backyard. Now, They're Trying to Figure Out Who Made It
After discovering a large limestone bust on their San Francisco property in May, Greg Gatwood and Judy Gittelsohn have spent the past few months trying to unravel its backstory
On a workday in May, landscape contractor Greg Gatwood was digging in his San Francisco backyard and unexpectedly unearthed a 150-pound limestone bust of a woman. The sculpture, approximately 22 inches wide, 18 inches high, and 10 inches deep, caught the attention of his partner, professional painter Judy Gittelsohn. They have spent the past few months attempting to uncover the sculpture's creator and origin.
Despite interviewing nearly 50 people, no one has any knowledge of the piece. Experts state that identifying the creator is difficult without a signature or historical documentation. However, Gittelsohn speculates that the sculpture might be linked to Ralph Stackpole, an American sculptor who lived in San Francisco during the early 20th century.
Stackpole's works include a fresco inside Coit Tower and several pieces at the 1915 and 1939-40 Golden Gate International Expositions. Gittelsohn believes the bust may have been created by one of Stackpole's students, as the sculpture shares similarities with their style. The couple's home previously stood on the lot where the bust was discovered, and they suspect the sculpture might have been buried there.
Until further evidence surfaces, Gatwood intends to display the sculpture in their backyard and share photos of the completed project.
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