(Detail: tower)
The Watts Towers, also called “Nuestro Pueblo” ("Our Village" in Spanish) by the artist, are a collection of 17 integrated sculptural metal and concrete towers, ranging up to 99.5 feet high (30 m), various architectural and sculptural structures and features (gazebo, chimney, benches, fountains, wall shelves, pavement), and mosaic artwork. The structures and features are inlaid and embellished with salvaged materials and “found objects,” notably ceramic tile fragments as well as porcelain, glass, seashells, bottles, figurines, mirrors, rocks, and more. They were built by hand over a 33-year period from 1921-1954.