Evelyn Beatrice Longman

Evelyn Beatrice Longman (1874–1954) was a pioneering sculptor, best known for her monumental works in public spaces and her significant contributions as one of the first women to gain recognition in the male-dominated field of American sculpture. Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Longman studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and later at the Art Students League in New York, where she developed her skill in modeling and casting.

Longman’s early work focused on smaller-scale sculptures, including portrait busts and allegorical figures, but she soon moved into large-scale commissions that showcased her mastery of form, balance, and architectural integration. She became particularly celebrated for her allegorical and patriotic sculptures, including fountains, war memorials, and reliefs. Among her most notable works is the “Spirit of Communication” (1914) atop AT&T’s headquarters in New York City, a landmark that exemplifies her ability to combine elegance with monumental scale. 

Her style blends the influence of Beaux-Arts training with a sensitivity to modern forms, often emphasizing graceful, elongated figures, harmonious composition, and expressive gesture. Longman’s career spanned decades, and she became the first female sculptor elected as a full member of the National Academy of Design in 1919. Her work remains highly regarded for its technical skill, refined aesthetic, and the pioneering role she played in advancing women in American sculpture.