The Springbanks Arch in Central Park, was built in 1863, during the Civil War. It is a beautiful stone arch located at approximately 102nd Street near the middle of Central Park. It is also one of only a few located in the north end. A bridle path passes over the top of this arch. At one time a natural spring stream flowed through the tunnel alongside a pedestrian path and into the Loch. Now the spring has been paved over, but as the Central Park website says, “visitors can still hear it rushing underground, particularly after a heavy rain.”
This section of Central Park was adjacent to Mount Sinai School of Medicine where I used to work. That is why I was familiar with the North Meadow. I frequently walked into the park for relief from the hot, noisy streets of the upper east side. It was relatively quiet and cool there, especially near the stream. The Springbanks Arch in this drawing was built out of stone and brick with detailing done by Jacob Wrey Mould. There is now iron railing along the bridal path/carriage road that goes over the arch. I was inspired to draw it because I found it so pleasing to look at. As a result, I made this sketch of the Springbanks Arch in Central Park during June of 2002.
I created this original composition using a Sharpie and drawing paper. I think that it looks great as a wrap-around print on a white, glossy ceramic mug with a copy of the scene printed on either side, and is available for purchase.
