Now on view in the Norton’s Great Hall, Study for Typewriter Eraser: Final Position is an example of the Claes Oldenburg’s early “soft” sculptures that depicted everyday objects and were constructed of foam, fabric, and other pliable materials. Oldenburg’s radical embrace of nontraditional media transformed the very definition of sculpture in the early 1960s. This sculpture is one of the few early Oldenburg works still available for public acquisition and has particular importance to the Norton. It was created during an experimental period in Oldenburg’s exploration of the typewriter eraser theme and enhances our understanding of the twenty-foot-tall Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, 1999, that was gifted to the Museum by Norton Trustee Ronnie Heyman.

Alongside the sculpture is a drawing by Oldenburg and together they illustrate the multiple orientations the artist considered for a monumental typewriter eraser sculpture. Ultimately, Oldenburg and his chief collaborator and wife, Coosje van Bruggen, elected to proceed with the animated “wheel with a wing” position seen in Typewriter Eraser, Scale X at the Museum’s entrance. However, the 1970 sculpture and the drawing are significant preludes to Scale X and we think they should join the Museum’s collection. But we need your help!

Please make a donation today to support the Museum’s acquisition of these two works. No donation is too small!

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In recognition of our community’s support, “Norton Visitors” will be acknowledged in the sculpture's credit line, along with the lead gift from The Postage Stamp Farm Foundation.