Western Washington University's Old Main and Wilson Library lawn are inviting a new sculpture to the area. The Bigger Big Chair, created by David Ireland, will make the move from the woods of the Fairhaven dorms to its originally intended location near the heart of campus.
The sculpture switch will take place on Sept. 5, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. but may need to extend into Sept. 6 if any implications occur.
“The installation of the Bigger Big Chair was an unfortunate mistake that people have wanted to correct ever since,” said Hafthor Yngvason, the director of the Western gallery in an email. “Planning [to switch the sculptures] started in 2018 but COVID-19 set us back.”
Richard Beyer’s sculpture, The Man Who Used to Hunt Cougars for Bounty, has taken up residence on the lawn in front of Wilson Library since 1972.
“According to the story told by the artist, Beyer, the hunter used to roam the forest of Sehome Hill in search of cougars,” Yngvason said through email. “This is what the sculpture is about, according to Beyer, and it takes place in the woods.”
Given the sculpture’s intended backstory, it is felt that it would fit much better in Fairhaven College’s woodsy environment.
Representing the “seat of learning,” Irenland’s sculpture was originally thought to be a better fit outside of Wilson Library. But after the two years it took for the sculpture to be created, Beyer’s sculpture still stood in the way, leading to its placement in Fairhaven College in 2006.
“The conceptual reasons [for the switch] are simply that, people are likely to mentally read the Chair as a seat of learning in the context of academic buildings,” Yngvason said in an email. “That is a natural association that people would not make in the context of the current location.”
The Bigger Big Chair sitting on the hill between Fairhaven College and Buchanan Towers on WWU campus on Aug. 23, 2024 in Bellingham, Wash. The chair is set to move on Sept. 5. // Photo by Madi Tessem
The first public news of the sculpture switch was released July 15, published on WWU News, and word got around quickly to current Western students and alumni.
While not many students appeared to know about Ireland’s sculpture, those that did thought of it as a hidden gem on campus.
One public commenter on a newestwwuvoice Instagram post discussing the move shared, “I’m kinda sad about it, I liked the way the chair was off to the side so it felt more like a special place where you could hang out and be unbothered.”
Much of the online attention though was directed toward Beyer’s sculpture, and what that meant to the Western community.
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni Facebook made a post on July 16 informing followers about the switch and which sculptures would be moving. Alumni commenters were not too happy.
“[The sculpture] Can’t be moved! It’s where it belongs. The sculpture and its location are part of my WWU memories,” said a public commenter.
The common sentiment of alumni was that Beyer’s sculpture is an iconic symbol on campus and many were fond of the statue for its suggestive nature.
Although most weren’t thrilled with the news of the move, not all are opposed. “Sometimes change is needed,” said a commenter. “[In] 100 years no one will ever know.”
With construction starting Sept. 5, there are some traffic changes around campus to note, according to a statement by WWU News.
On north campus, High Street will be closed and a flagger will be present to direct traffic. The detour route will likely be Highland Drive and West College Way and traffic delays are expected.
Near south campus, South College Drive will be closed from Bill McDonald Parkway to Fairhaven College’s access driveway. The pedestrian path between Buchanan Towers and the Fairhaven Bridge will be closed during this time as well. Additionally, access roads to Harrington Field, Viking Field and the tennis courts will be closed to vehicles.
Parking will still be available in lots 18R, C and 12G but will need to be accessed from the north, entering South College Drive from West or East College Way. The south section of 12G will be closed to traffic.
The sculptures will be in their new locations for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, and although incoming freshmen may not notice the change, returning students and staff should keep their eyes peeled.
Construction around The Man Who Used to Hunt Cougars for Bounty sculpture is pictured on July 31, 2024 in Bellingham, Wash.. The sculpture will move to Fairhaven College on Sept. 5. // Photo courtesy of Emma Flentke
Madi Tessem (she/her) is a summer staff reporter for The Front this quarter. She has been a Sports and Recreation editor as well as City Life editor. Madi is going into her final year at Western, majoring in Communications with a Public Relations minor. In her free time she enjoys reading, painting and hanging out with her cat. You can contact her at maditesse.thefront@gmail.com
