Sculptureworks, Inc.

Tuck Langland
"Herman B. Wells" Monument
Bronze
110% Lifesize

Part of the permanent collection of Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana).

herman b. wells

Detail of the "Herman B. Wells" sculpture by Tuck Langland.

Eerie lights - a campus ghost, perhaps? - dance in front of the "Herman B. Wells" sculpture by Tuck Langland. Photograph illustration by Chris Meyer.

Sculptor Tuck Langland works on the clay version of his monument "Herman B. Wells".

Sculptor Tuck Langland works on the clay version of his monument "Herman B. Wells".

Sculptor Tuck Langland works on the clay version of his monument "Herman B. Wells".

The monument “Herman B. Wells” by Sculptor Tuck Langland memorializes the former President and Chancellor of Indiana University. Wells served as Indiana University’s Eleventh President from 1938 to 1962. The sculpture is located at the Herman B. Wells Plaza on the campus of Indiana University.

Wells is shown seated on a bronze bench, with an outstretched hand to greet students. Accompanying the sculpture are three matching bronze benches, bearing the IU logo, on which visitors may sit and enjoy the serenity of the campus’ woodland area.

Sculptor Tuck Langland had the honor to speak with Herman B. Wells (1902-2000) before Wells passed away at the age of 97. Langland also viewed hundreds of photographs and spoke with Wells’ former friends and colleagues to assure that the pose was characteristic of the man during his time as Indiana University President.

The sculpture portrays Wells in his prime, sitting with his legs uncrossed, holding on to his favorite soft hat with his left hand, his tie loosened for comfort and his suit jacket open. A gust of wind has partially flipped his tie and jacket edge, and a handkerchief appears from his breast pocket. The cuff links bearing his initials were cast from a pair that Wells owned.

At the unveiling ceremony of the sculpture Robert LeBien, Chairman of the Wells Sculpture Committee, was pleased with Langland's likeness of Wells and commented, "The sculpture portrays Dr. Wells not as bigger than life but as part of life. It shows Dr. Wells as we all know him - as one of us."

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