LAAC — MERCURY

Los Angeles Athletic Club | Los Angeles

Reinterpreting the historic Club’s Mercury Emblem in Sculpture

Mercury stainless steel sculpture at the Los Angeles Athletic Club by Richard Becker

Mercury sculpture beneath the programmable LED oculus within the club’s central stair.
Stainless steel, steel and architectural cladding, 2018.

Overview

Created as part of a comprehensive renovation of the Los Angeles Athletic Club’s historic Beaux-Arts building, this Mercury sculpture expands the club’s long-standing winged-foot emblem into a full figure. Inspired by the Renaissance Mercury of Giambologna, the work translates this historic symbol into a contemporary sculptural language while honoring the club’s enduring visual identity and culture of athletic excellence.

Positioned beneath a programmable LED oculus and spanning two levels, the stainless steel figure and pedestal rise seventeen feet, occupying a primary architectural axis. The composition captures the instant just before motion — a suspended moment of focus, discipline, and intent — reflecting the ethos of the club and its members.

Mercury sculpture integrated within glass stair installation at Los Angeles Athletic Club

Mercury integrated within the club’s glass stair, allowing views of the sculpture from multiple levels.

Mercury sculpture rising beneath the illuminated oculus at the Los Angeles Athletic Club

Viewed from the surrounding stair circulation, the sculpture is encountered in motion rather than from a fixed vantage point.

The surrounding staircase was redesigned with glass railings to provide unobstructed views of the sculpture from multiple elevations. Encountered in motion — approached, circled, and seen at close range — the work becomes part of the club’s daily circulation rather than a distant object of display.

The winged foot, long associated with Mercury’s swiftness, becomes an accessible point of contact within the stair.

Winged foot detail of Mercury sculpture at Los Angeles Athletic Club

Winged foot detail encountered at close range from the surrounding stair.

Development

As Mercury has served as the club’s symbol for over a century, the commission required both historical sensitivity and contemporary clarity.

The figure was cast in stainless steel — a deliberate material decision. Stainless introduces a contemporary brightness, allowing light to move across the surface while maintaining a restrained satin finish. The material brings a sense of present-day vitality to the club’s historic emblem, aligning it with the renovated interior and the forward-looking culture of the institution.

Detail of satin stainless steel surface on Mercury sculpture by Richard Becker

Custom satin stainless finish capturing and diffusing surrounding light across the sculpted surface.

The sculptural form emphasizes compression and potential energy. The raised arm and forward shift of weight suggest imminent movement, embodying effort, aspiration, and sustained excellence.

Mercury rising beneath the illuminated oculus within the club’s central stair.

Upper figure and face of Mercury sculpture at the Los Angeles Athletic Club

Mercury reaching toward the illuminated oculus above the stair.

Project Details

Client: Los Angeles Athletic Club
Location: Los Angeles, California
Artist: Richard Becker
Materials: Stainless steel figure; steel pedestal with architectural cladding
Height: 17 feet overall (including pedestal)
Completion: 2018

Credits

Artist:
Richard Becker

Fabrication:
MC3, Inc., Los Angeles

Architect:
Brian Kite, AIA
SRK Architects, Inc., Los Angeles

Lighting:
Lighting Design Alliance
Los Angeles | Dubai | Shanghai

From the Commissioning Client

“Mr. Becker’s artistic abilities are exquisite; his professional work ethic impeccable. This artist does what he promises to do, on time and on budget.”

— Karen L. Hathaway
CEO, LAACO, Ltd.

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