On East End, restoration of iconic Lichtenstein sculptures completed

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The restoration of two towering, iconic sculptures by American pop-artist Roy Lichtenstein, who had lived with his wife Dorothy in Southampton year-round since 1970, is now completed.

The colorful, large-scale works have drawn visitors to the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill since 2014 when they were first installed. The sculptures are on long-term loan from The Fuhrman Family Foundation, which is based in Manhattan.

The sculptures – “Tokyo Brushstroke 1 & II (1994)” – are on view at the museum’s The Bacon Family South Meadow, serving as a landmark on the East End. Tokyo Brushstroke I stands 33 feet tall, with dimensions of 396 x 112 x 90 inches, weighing more than 12,000 pounds. Tokyo Brushstroke II stands 19 feet high, weighing approximately 5,000 pounds, and of the two sculptures, is positioned closer to Montauk Highway.

“We could not be happier with the restoration of this iconic work,” Glenn Fuhrman, who cofounded The Fuhrman Family Foundation with his wife Amanda, said in a news release about the completed restoration.

“Whether driving along the neighboring highway or strolling by up close, the vibrancy and joy of this great work makes you smile,” he added. “I have no doubt that both Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein would be thrilled with everything about how the Parrish has helped bring Tokyo Brushstroke I and II to life for the current generation of viewers.”

The arts are an economic driver to the region, and contributed $330 million to the Long Island economy, according to a 2023 study by the Long Island Arts Alliance. The museum did not reveal the cost of the restoration, which was supported by The Fuhrman Family Foundation. The project was led by American Stripping Co. (ASCo) of Manassas Park, VA, with consulting by Two Sticks Inc. Modern and Contemporary Art Conservation from Manhattan.

Eastern Scaffolding & Shoring, based in East Moriches provided essential scaffolding and tenting.

The colors and paint for the restoration were meticulously researched, using the artist’s standard color reference swatches provided by the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein in consultation with Julie Wolfe who wrote the first book-length study, “Roy Lichtenstein: Outdoor Painted Sculpture,” which examines the materials and techniques used in the fabrication and painting of Lichtenstein’s sculptures. These colors were approved by the Lichtenstein estate.

“I am thrilled that these spectacular sculptures have been returned to their original vibrant glory thanks to the incredible generosity of The Fuhrman Family Foundation and an amazing team,” Corinne Erni, chief curator of Art and Education and deputy director of Curatorial Affairs at the Parrish Art Museum, said in the news release.

“Roger Griffith, conservator, Two Sticks Inc. Modern and Contemporary Art Conservation, ensured the right colors were used, and James Sejd’s crew from ASCo did a remarkable job restoring the sculptures,” Erni added. “It was a challenging undertaking and required the utmost professionalism and attention to detail—all while working from three-story high scaffolding. We are also grateful to the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein and the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation for their guidance.”