Albert Paley’s contribution to the Wood Street Station exemplifies his signature approach to merging utility with artistry. Designed for the platform level, these sculptural poster cases function both as striking wall reliefs and as fully functional cases which were originally designed to frame posters promoting local cultural events.

Each case measures approximately nine feet high by six and a half feet wide and is constructed from quarter-inch mild steel plate. Forged and fabricated through continuous welding techniques, the hollow structures demonstrate Paley’s hallmark craftsmanship, balancing the forceful presence of steel with intricately layered, fluid forms.

Painted in a soft mauve tone selected by the station’s architect, the color was intentionally chosen to echo and enhance similar hues found in the station’s granite finishes. The result is a thoughtful integration of artwork and environment, one that elevates everyday infrastructure into an expressive visual experience.

In typical Paley fashion, these poster cases transcend their utilitarian function, embodying a sculptural rhythm and material elegance that draw the eye even in a bustling transit setting. Their presence affirms the role of public art in shaping how we move through, and connect with our shared urban spaces.

Albert Paley is an internationally acclaimed sculptor known for transforming industrial materials—particularly steel—into expressive works that blur the line between function and fine art. With a background in both jewelry design and large-scale sculpture, Paley brings a uniquely refined sensibility to metalwork, fabricating utilitarian objects that are at once decorative, sculptural, and architectural.

His benches, gates, fountains, and screens—crafted from forged and fabricated metals—are simultaneously intricate and commanding. Each work reveals his mastery of form and technique, combining sweeping gestures with delicate detailing. Paley’s ability to manipulate heavy, often rigid materials into fluid, organic compositions gives his work a dynamic presence, whether encountered in public spaces, museums, or architectural contexts.

Over the course of his career, Paley has completed more than 50 site-specific works for both public and private commissions, earning recognition as a leader in contemporary metal sculpture. His distinctive style and commitment to craftsmanship have helped redefine the possibilities of decorative ironwork in the modern era.

Albert Paley Website: https://www.albertpaley.com/