Locks and Keys for Harry Bridges Sculpture

Emerging from the pavement, these colossal locks and keys aren’t a giant’s forgotten belongings. They are the Locks and Keys for Harry Bridges, a sculpture by Mildred Howard. The Locks and Keys for Harry Bridges sculpture sits nestled in a SoMa alleyway, just a short walk from the bustling downtown San Francisco. This artwork isn’t just visually arresting. It’s a tribute to a pivotal figure in American labor history, Harry Bridges. The sculpture was commissioned by Millennium Partners/WGB Ventures Inc and the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency. Mildred Howard, a renowned Bay Area artist known for her mixed media and sculptural installations, created this powerful piece. Howard’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Adeline Kent Award and a fellowship from the California Arts Council. So, who was Harry Bridges? An Australian-born American union leader, he spearheaded the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). He led the ILWU for over 40 years. He fought tirelessly for workers’ rights, facing government prosecution in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s for his alleged Communist Party membership. His eventual conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1953. Howard’s choice of locks and keys was inspired by Bridges’ ability to “open doors” for workers, creating opportunities and pathways to better lives. Notice how the locks on the sculpture are open. This symbolizes the opportunities Bridges created. It echoes his legacy of breaking down barriers and fighting for social justice. The Locks and Keys for Harry Bridges serves not just as a public art piece, but as a potent reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the labor movement in America. It’s a testament to one man’s courage and the lasting impact he made on the city of San Francisco.