Iconic ‘LOVE’ Sculpture Bought By University Of Tampa

TAMPA, FL — Thanks to a donation from philanthropists Gene and Patsy McNichols, the University of Tampa has bought the “LOVE” sculpture by artist Robert Indiana.

The 6-foot-tall sculpture is one of the most recognizable and famous sculptures in the world, the university said in a news release.

“LOVE” has been described by the Museum of Modern Art as a Pop Art masterpiece that “continues to hold an important place in the history of art — and in the hearts of people all over the world.”

Indiana first developed the iconic design in 1964, and the first “LOVE” sculpture was created out of core-ten steel in 1970. Today there are more than 50 “LOVE” editions installed around the world, including in cities throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.

The artist tilted the letter “O” so that the four stacked letters form a perfect square, but also to remind viewers of the fragility of love itself, the university said.

“As many say, we need more love in the world,” Ron Vaughn, the recently retired UT president, said.

“LOVE” will be located in a lawn to the east of Plant Hall in front of the Southard Family Building.

“This will be a highly visible campus location where it can be enjoyed by students and the public,” Vaughn said.

Gene and Patsy McNichols made the donation to purchase the sculpture in honor of Gene’s father, Robert L. McNichols, who founded the McNichols Company, The Hole Story.

The couple are longtime supporters of UT and were also donors to the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values. Gene is a chair emeritus of the UT Board of Trustees.

The donation will also fund an innovative and interactive sculpture trail, anchored by the “LOVE” sculpture, that would add 15 to 20 sculptures to the 110-acre downtown campus.

Sculptures chosen for the sculpture trail will include pieces of varying size, style and mediums by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The pieces are being chosen or commissioned expressly to stimulate conversation and learning about desirable human characteristics and qualities.

The sculpture trail will be officially called the McNichols Sculpture Trail.

Two additional sculptures already acquired for the trail were crafted by Colorado-based metal sculptor Kevin Robb. Both pieces are made of stainless steel, and are approximately 8 feet tall. The first, titled “What Was Vincent Thinking?,” represents the quality of creativity. The second sculpture, "Poised,” represents the qualities of grace and elegance.

• “Zephyr” by Jeremy Guy, which represents the quality of persistence
• “Open Window Monument” by Ted Schaal, which represents a spiritual characteristic
• “DNA of Success” by Robert Romero, which represents continued learning
• “On a Roll” by Jack Hill, which represents a sense of humor

Gene McNichols said they are glad to be a part of Vaughn’s tremendous vision.

“We hope the campus community will be inspired by thinking about desirable human qualities,” he said.