San Francisco couple unearths stunning limestone sculpture tied to WPA artist
A San Francisco couple uncovered a massive limestone statue while doing yard work, sparking curiosity about its origins.
The piece, about two feet wide and weighing 150 pounds, shows a human face with distinct lips and a nose, suggesting professional craftsmanship. Greg Gatwood and Judy Gittelsohn have been researching its possible ties to the 1930s Works Progress Administration and to local sculptor Ralph Stackpole, who taught nearby at the former San Francisco Art Institute.
The use of inexpensive limestone hints it may have been garden ornamentation that was eventually buried. A 93‑year‑old neighbor, who once curated a Stackpole exhibition, reached out with clues that the work could be linked to the WPA era.
The couple plans to exhibit the sculpture at the American Messenger Gallery later this year, hoping experts can identify the artist and restore its story.