Parducci, Corrado Giuseppe

1900

Pisa, Italy

Six years of formal education; Studied under Albin Polosek at a young age; School of Beaux Arts; Art Student League

Discovered at a young age by Harriet Payne Whitney, he was given a scholarship to pursue his education in the arts. When he was 15, he apprenticed with artists such a Ulysses Ricci and (?) Donnelly. In his early 20's, he was once again spotted for his talent by Albert Kahn and came to Detroit under the pretenses of a couple months work. He ended up staying and finding work with people like George D. Mason, Donaldson and Meyer, Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, etc. He has contributed to nearly 600 buildings in the Detroit area including the Masonic Temple, Meadow Brook Hall, and the Penobscot, Buhl, and Guardian Buildings to name a few. When the Great Depression hit, there was not much work for the ornamental sculptor, and he found most of his work through the Catholic Church and in the Auto industry, designing hub caps. He worked in his studio on Sibley off of Cass until his death. He donated the studio to a Childrens enrichment program run by Fr. Kohler for children with various forms of cancer. This was a very personal issue for Parducci as his wife and twin sons Harry and David were killed by cancer.

Architectural Sculptor, Ornamental Sculptor, Decorational Sculptor

Rebecca

Allen
Harry
David

One of 13 Children born to Italian immigrant parents. Had seven grandchildren ( Eldest is Cynthia, daughter of son Allen). Potential apprentice/ possible lover Rosemary Elias.

Italian