This project is the personal plaster bust of David “Deacon” Jones, originally awarded to him by the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Why Two Busts?
Bronze Bust (Permanent Display):
The bronze version is the official, enduring bust that is placed on display at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Bronze is chosen because it’s durable, timeless, and considered the standard for commemorating great achievements.
Plaster Bust (Original Model / Backup):
Sculptors first create a clay model of the Hall of Famer’s likeness. From this clay, a plaster cast is made. This plaster serves as the master mold used to create the final bronze version. After the bronze bust is cast, the plaster is often retained either as an archival backup or given to the player/family as a personal keepsake.
Why It Matters:
The bronze bust is for history, legacy, and public recognition. The plaster bust is more fragile, but it’s the original reference, sort of like the artist’s “negative” or blueprint. Without the plaster version, the bronze bust couldn’t be made. Some Hall of Famers or their families also like having the plaster copy at home, since the bronze always stays in Canton.
The bust restored in this project is the plaster version, not the bronze. When it arrived at Lakeside Pottery Restoration Studio, it was broken, cracked, and missing pieces, with multiple layers of failed repair and repaint attempts. The photos below highlight key steps of the restoration process, with explanations provided under each image.
