A Monumental Studio
“Skylight, high-ceilings, a crane to move stuff around. If you were going to design a
sculpture studio, you couldn’t do any better.”
- Richard Hunt
A Crucible for Creation
In 1971, Richard Hunt acquired a decommissioned 1909 electrical substation in Chicago's Lincoln Park, transforming it into a cathedral-like studio that would serve as his creative sanctuary for over fifty years. The building’s vast 40-foot-high ceilings, towering windows, and abundant natural light provided an unparalleled environment for large-scale artistic production.
Retaining the substation's original industrial bridge crane allowed Hunt to significantly scale up his welded masterpieces, turning an array of collected metal sheets and scrap into monumental, improvisational works.
Beyond serving as a highly functional metal shop and laboratory, the studio evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. Hunt set up an in-house foundry to explore bronze and aluminum casting, drawing on his early experiences in Florence. Driven by his dedication to the broader arts community, he lived in the space for much of his career—modeled after Brâncuși's live-work studio—and frequently hosted live music performances, art exhibitions, and dynamic dance events throughout the decades.
Richard Hunt at his studio with his monumental sculpture, Bronx Victory (1978).
Photo by Cal Kowal, 1981