 These entryways to the world below are works of art, distinguished by their originality, yet are tough and durable enough to withstand the indignity of footsteps or traffic. These artifacts from the past played a key role in the building of our great city.
A model-maker for the television and advertising industry, Michael Miller has sculpted replicas of artifacts for the Museum of Natural History, created models and effects for "Saturday Night Live," and replicated guns used in the movie, The Terminator.
He was hired to create a manhole cover for a TV commercial, one that the actor in the manhole could lift using only his head. This meant the cover could only weigh a few pounds but still look as authentic as a real one. Using photographs of a city manhole cover, Michael sculpted a new one in pulverized bronze and high-strength resins, then filled the inside with a rigid, lightweight foam. The whole thing weighed only 10 pounds. After the commercial, Michael mounted it on his wall as a piece of art.
We have arranged to have Michael reproduce his manhole covers, both as wall art and unique tables. Designs are from the New York City Department of Public Works, in use since the 1870s. Covers are re-created in actual size (24-inch-diameter, 1.25-inches deep) with great detail, including blemishes, pitting and other characteristics of authentic covers. Each piece is signed & numbered by the artist.
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