Ford Motor Company Has Henry Ford II Cast in Bronze

06/13/96

Ford Motor Company is continuing the great western tradition of commemorating great western men in cold metal. The company unveiled a life size statue of Henry II, which, according to the sculptor attempts to portray the business leader's "larger than life" quality, The unveiling took place in the lobby of Ford's World Headquarters, where the statue will be on permanent display.

Internationally famous portrait painter and sculptor Richard Miller made the piece after looking at photos and videos of his subject; it took him all of six months to finish. Miller's reputation derives largely from his work as a portrait painter, which includes portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and other members of Britain's royal family, President Kennedy, several state governors, Canadian political leaders, a large number of corporate leaders, many sports figures, and many private clients.

Henry Ford II ascended to the presidency of Ford Motor Company in 1945, and served as chairman of the board of directors from 1960 to 1980. He died on September 29, 1987. At the unveiling of the statue, Edsel B. Ford II had this to say: "My father led at a critical period during the company's history. His leadership rebuilt Ford into the modern-day competitor that is respected today around the world. He left the company in a far stronger position than he found it. All of us are the direct beneficiaries of that legacy."

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel