I am writing to ask Harvard residents to become engaged in an important discussion about protecting the character and historic integrity of our town center district.
A proposal is moving forward to install three large, modern steel sculptures on and around Fivesparks—a town of Harvard-owned building—in the historic town center. I want to emphasize that this is not about opposing art or artists. Harvard has a strong appreciation for the arts, and contemporary art has a place in our community. The issue is location, scale, permanency, and compatibility with a historic setting.
These sculptures are not proposed as a temporary exhibition. They are intended to remain permanently within a historic district, immediately adjacent to homes and buildings dating to the 19th century.
Their proposed dimensions are approximately 10 x 8 x 6.5 feet , 6 x 5.5 x 2 feet , and 5.5 x 9 x 4 feet . These are substantial structures that would become prominent visual elements within a relatively small residential setting.
The Fivesparks building dates to approximately 1880, and the surrounding homes and structures are an important part of Harvard’s historic landscape. The architecture, scale, open spaces, setbacks, landscaping, and relationships among these buildings are what give our town center its distinctive character. A permanent installation should be carefully evaluated for how it affects that environment.
It is also reasonable for residents to ask what connection these works have to Harvard’s history, residents, or story. The artists are not and have never been Harvard residents. There are many locations throughout the community where contemporary sculptures could be displayed without placing large, permanent installations in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood.
This proposal is scheduled to be voted on by the Harvard Historical Commission at its meeting on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. I encourage residents to attend the meeting, learn more, ask questions, and make their voices heard before this decision becomes irreversible.
Our historic town center belongs to all of us. We are temporary stewards of a place shaped by generations of Harvard residents. We should consider not only what we want to add today, but what we are leaving for future generations.
Please support preserving the scale, character, architecture, and visual integrity of Harvard’s historic center and encourage our town officials to carefully consider whether these sculptures are appropriate for this particular location. This is not about being against art. It is about being for Harvard’s history.
Albert Allard
Fairbank Street
