Consider the Watts Towers. Rising before us are seventeen interconnected sculptures. They stand tall in Watts, Los Angeles. These towers are not just structures. They are a testament to one man’s vision. That man was Sabato “Simon” Rodia.
Rodia, an Italian immigrant, began building the Watts Towers in 1921. He worked for 33 years until 1954. He called his creation “Nuestro Pueblo” meaning “Our Town” in Spanish. Rodia worked alone with simple hand tools. He had no predetermined design. He used no special equipment. The tallest tower reaches 99.5 feet. Imagine building that by hand.
The Watts Towers’ armatures are made of steel rebar. Rodia mixed his own concrete. He wrapped it with wire mesh. He embedded the supports with porcelain and glass. Found objects decorate the Watts Towers. These include bottles, ceramic tiles, and seashells. Look closely. You can see figurines and mirrors.
Neighborhood children brought Rodia broken pottery. He also used damaged pieces from local potteries. See the green glass? Some are old soft drink bottles. You might recognize logos from 7 Up or Canada Dry. The blue glass seems to be from milk of magnesia bottles.
Rodia bent rebar using railroad tracks as a vise. He gathered materials from the Pacific Electric Railway. He walked miles searching for materials. Rodia suffered a stroke in 1954. He then gave his property to a neighbor in 1955. He was tired of battling the city for permits. He also feared vandalism. Rodia moved to Martinez, California. He lived there until his death in 1965.
After Rodia left, his bungalow burned down in 1956. The city wanted to demolish the Watts Towers. But people rallied to save them. Actor Nicholas King and film editor William Cartwright bought the property. They formed the Committee for Simon Rodia’s Towers in Watts.
The committee negotiated with the city. An engineering test was allowed. The test proved the Watts Towers could withstand strong forces. The towers were saved from demolition.
The Committee preserved the Watts Towers until 1975. Then they partnered with the City of Los Angeles. Later, they partnered with the State of California. The Watts Towers became a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has helped preserve the Watts Towers. They assessed the towers’ condition. They worked to maintain their structural integrity. Weather caused pieces of tile and glass to loosen. These are conserved for reattachment.
The Watts Towers stand as a unique monument. They represent the human spirit. They embody Rodia’s singular vision. They inspire many to dream. The Watts Towers are a tribute to his adopted country.