Artist Tom Clark brings us "Pedro", a tribute to the hardworking journalist. Remembering the use of old time hot metal type to physically "make up" a page, Pedro shows off his craft.
Commenting on Pedro, Dr. Clark wrote: "(July, 1986) #1158 Pedro is named for Pedro Cayado, edition manager for The Concord Tribune, and in charge of producing the Cairn Collector Society News. I have used his face to honor him for his guardianship of our newspaper.
"On the base is a Cuban coin that Cayado brought from Cuba with him. After leaving so much behind in Cuba, he has made the most of his new life. When the statue was first created, the Tribune honored him with a front page story. Pedro is publishing the newspaper that Cromwell will deliver to Wood Spirits around the country. He is holding newspaper type that spells out Cairn and Pedro. Type for every letter in the alphabet (except one!) is scattered around the base, as well as miniature copies of Pedro's favorite newspaper."
There is just something special about the feel of metal type. Cairn Studio released Pedro January 1, 1988, and he retired Oct. 31, 1993.
Our Pedro, which is #23 of mold #1158, measures 7" tall by 4" wide.
Each of Dr. Clark's works is highly detailed. From Pedro's pointed hat to his newspaper, he is every bit the pressman. With irresistible expressions, each gnome is unique. Dr. Clark imbued every creation with his personal philosophy that "the universe is basically friendly". His Gnomes "show a dignity that comes from a life of worth", and he felt that his creations were successful if they made you smile! Now that Dr. Clark has passed, we can best remember him through his portrait sculptures like Pedro.
What's going on at Cairn? Read all about it here! Legend says, "Old newspaper men never die, their type just fades away!"