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Commission reviews Monterey Angels inventory, copyright limits and phased replication plan
Summary
Staff updated the commission on the Monterey Angels program: inventory counts, copyright constraints reported by the city attorney, replica and restoration cost estimates, and a phased approach emphasizing replicas for street display and digitization for future reproductions.
Staff provided a detailed update on the Monterey Angels collection, replication options and preservation needs. Brian reported the commission holds 98 originals and 12 replicas (about 110 angels total) in the department vault, with roughly 38 of the 1956 originals in city custody and others loaned to state parks and local sites.
City attorney guidance reported this week (as relayed by staff) indicated the city does not control the full copyright for Bridal Frank's Angels and that reproduction rights will not fully vest for 75 years after the artist's death; staff said that limits the sale of exact duplicates today. "I just recently heard back from city attorney just this week. Their thought is that we don't own the art rights for Bridal Frank's Angels. We have to wait for 75 years after they passed to own the rights if we're going to sell the artwork," Brian told the commission.
Commissioners and staff discussed cost estimates for replicas and restoration: a 6‑foot aluminum replica was estimated at about $1,200; a 4‑foot replica roughly $700; average restoration of an original was discussed near $1,000 but staff said exact bids are needed. To protect originals and allow year‑round street displays, staff recommended producing more durable replicas for mounting and keeping originals in controlled storage or in low‑staff exhibit spaces.
The commission endorsed a phased approach: digitize high‑resolution images (staff plans to recruit CSUMB interns), produce a set of replicas for public display, and then pursue batch restoration for originals as funds permit. Staff will solicit bids for replication and restoration and return with detailed cost estimates and a prioritization plan.
