Coney Island (Parachute Jump)

Stephen Salmieri

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Today covered in a coat of red paint, the steel tower of the Parachute Jump is the only remaining sign of Steeplechase Park. In the years during and after World War II, riders were hoisted to the top of the tower in a canvas seat attached to a closed parachute. When they were dropped from the top, only the parachute would slow the descent. Like the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone, and Childs Restaurant, the tower is now protected by its landmark status and will remain at Coney Island even after the redevelopment of the area. Like several other steel structures that made their way to Coney Island, the Parachute Jump originated as a ride at a world’s fair (in this case, the 1939 New York World’s Fair), reflecting the often-utopian nature of the ventures that developed Coney Island over its history.

Caption

Stephen Salmieri American, born 1945. Coney Island (Parachute Jump), 1969. Gelatin silver print, Sheet: 14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 27.9 cm) Image: 12 x 9 1/2 in. (30.5 x 24.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Edward Klein, 82.201.24. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 82.201.24_PS2.jpg)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Photography

Title

Coney Island (Parachute Jump)

Date

1969

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Classification

Photograph

Dimensions

Sheet: 14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 27.9 cm) Image: 12 x 9 1/2 in. (30.5 x 24.1 cm)

Signatures

Signed in graphite verso "Salmieri"

Inscriptions

Titled in graphite verso "1969 Coney Island"

Credit Line

Gift of Edward Klein

Accession Number

82.201.24

Rights

© artist or artist's estate

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