Lot 978: Vollis Simpson Bottlecap Whirligig

Vollis Simpson (American/North Carolina, 1919-2013) "Bottlecap Whirligig," outsider art kinetic sculpture featuring a tower of large painted metal bottle cap forms that rotate around a center post crowned with a wooden knob form finial like that of a barber pole, and four blades with applied colorful metal stars. Signed on the round metal base "Vollis Simpson" and dated 1997. 41" H x 14" diameter. Note: Vollis Simpson was a farm machinery repairman for most of his life, and began making gigantic kinetic sculptures at his family farm in Wilson County when he was nearing retirement age. His windmills and whirligigs are now in the permanent collections of the North Carolina Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore and the American Folk Art Museum in Manhattan. The city of Wilson, NC recently constructed a Whirligig Park featuring the works of Vollis.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Ronnie Steine, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. A few minor scattered spots of paint flakes, mostly to fan blade near post and on base. Separates into 2 separate sections for packing/moving.