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Coney Island (Parachute Jump)

Stephen Salmieri

Photography

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.
MEDIUM Gelatin silver print
DATES 1969
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)  (show scale)
SIGNATURE Signed in graphite verso "Salmieri"
INSCRIPTIONS Titled in graphite verso "1969 Coney Island"
COLLECTIONS Photography
ACCESSION NUMBER 82.201.24
CREDIT LINE Gift of Edward Klein
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
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). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Edward Klein, 82.201.24. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 82.201.24_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 82.201.24_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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RIGHTS STATEMENT © Stephen Salmieri
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