University of Wisconsin Bucky Badger Desktop Sculpture
$ 189.95
ICON Artworks is proud to pay tribute to the beloved University of Wisconsin mascot with our officially licensed BUCKY BADGER Desktop Sculpture! A perfect gift for students, alumni, faculty, and fans alike!
Wisconsin's loveable mascot, Bucky Badger, has always ranked high in fan appeal and enthusiasm. Although badgers in various forms had been the University of Wisconsin mascot for decades, the version that is currently known as Bucky, sporting a cardinal and white sweater, was first drawn in 1940 by professional illustrator Art Evans of Garden Grove, Calif. In 1949, a student first wore a badger outfit with a papier-máchê head at the homecoming game and the mascot came to life.
The nickname "Badgers," was borrowed from the state of Wisconsin, which was dubbed the "Badger State." The name didn't come from the animals in the region, but rather from an association with lead miners in the 1820s. Without shelter in the winter, the miners had to "live like Badgers" in tunnels burrowed into hillsides.
The badger started as the official UW mascot with the inception of intercollegiate football in 1889. In 1949, a student in the university's art department, Connie Conrard, was commissioned to mold a paper-mache badger head. Gymnast and cheerleader, Bill Sagal, of Plymouth, Wis., was directed by homecoming chair Bill Sachse, to wear the outfit at the homecoming game. Art Lentz, the athletic department's publicity director is credited with making the mascot come to life. At that time, the badger went by names like Benny, Buddy, Bernie, Bobby and Bouncey. A contest was staged to name the popular mascot. The winner was Buckingham U. Badger, or Bucky. The name apparently came from the lyrics in a song which encouraged the football team to "buck right through that line."
- Created by acclaimed sculptor Robin Richerson of ICON Artworks
- Handcrafted in Cast Pewter and Bronze Plated Cast Pewter
- The Bucky Badger Desktop Sculpture stands 6.5 inches in height (including base). Total Weight: 3.0 lbs.
- Each sculpture is mounted on a round, black Belgian marble base which can be customized or personalized with laser engraving to commemorate any event or achievement (e.g., Graduation). Click here to view custom engraving samples.
- Officially Licensed by the University of Wisconsin and Fermata Partners
- First Edition is individually numbered, limited to 1000
- Includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Artist
- MADE IN USA
ICON Artworks Cast Pewter is handcrafted by our team of skilled artisans with an antique finish in the highest quality, lead-free Fine Pewter alloy used for sculpture. After platinum, gold, and silver, pewter is the fourth-most-precious metal in the world. Pewter has been used since the Bronze Age because of its lustrous silver finish, its malleability, durability, and its ability to capture incredibly fine detail. Pewter does not rust or deteriorate and can be enjoyed for generations.
PLEASE NOTE REGARDING ENGRAVING: To include engraving, select "Add Engraving" when placing your order and input your message at "Checkout." Custom graphics or logos can be incorporated. Email us at Contact@iconartworks.com with any questions you may have.
(Source notes: UWBadger.com: Bucky Badger - A Historical Look Back)
