Landmarks Commission issues favorable advisory report for Vincent (Vinny) Bagwell’s ‘Victory’ to replace J. Marion Sims plinth in Central Park

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 6 issued a favorable advisory report for Victory, a site‑specific bronze and granite monument by sculptor Vinny Bagwell to replace the former J. Marion Sims plinth at Central Park’s Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street. The application asked LPC to review the removal of the granite plinth, an opening in the perimeter wall, a new ornamental wrought‑iron screen set behind the statue, and a patterned granite paving field and accessible approach.

What the proposal includes: Bagwell’s design centers a bronze figure titled Victory (approximately 9 feet tall, roughly 14 feet with wings) atop an 18‑inch textured rainbow‑granite ellipse and surrounded by a sunburst motif in Mesabi gray, academy black and rainbow granites. The artist described narrative bas‑relief elements on the figure’s garment that honor enslaved and unnamed women, a polished bronze “ytter flame,” and a wrought‑iron “Aurora Iron Gate” screen set just outside the park wall. The installation retains the statue’s footprint within the existing cobble area and will not extend into the central parkway walkway; the Central Park Conservancy will manage horticulture behind the screen.

Public and commission discussion: The commission does not review artwork content but evaluates impacts on the Central Park scenic landmark. Commissioners and commenters praised the sculpture’s purpose and the design’s storytelling, while many asked for simplification and clarification of surrounding elements: some speakers — including Safe Harlem Now and the Historic Districts Council — recommended reducing or simplifying the wrought‑iron screen and ground pattern so the statue remains primary. Others, including Landmark West and Landmark West’s certificate of appropriateness committee, supported the design and urged a robust interpretive framework and a long‑term maintenance plan.

Artist and agency statements: Vinny Bagwell, the artist, told the commission she intended the ironwork, paving and plantings to be integral parts of the commission and to “look like it had always been there,” and said the gate’s transparency would allow park viewers to see the work in the round. Kendall Henry of the Department of Cultural Affairs explained that the piece replaces the Sims monument following recommendations by a mayoral advisory commission; the Public Design Commission will next review the work’s artistic and technical details.

Commission action and conditions: After hearing public comment and staff analysis, the commission voted 8–0 to issue a favorable advisory report finding that the proposed removal of the granite base and installation of new artwork, paving and ironwork would not damage or eliminate significant historic fabric, and that the work would be well scaled to the site. Commissioners and public commenters recommended that the applicant provide: clear, interpretive signage and educational material coordinated with Cultural Affairs; a detailed maintenance plan for bronze, iron and paving materials; and refinements so that the iron screen and paving are properly subordinate to the sculpture.

What’s next: The Public Design Commission, which reviews public art content and technical design, will receive the proposal; LPC recommended the Public Design Commission consider the applicant’s responses to concerns about gate scale, paving materials and long‑term upkeep. LPC’s report is advisory; PDC retains final approval over the artwork and technical details.