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'Death Mask' of Baseball Star's Severed Head Featured in Exhibit - Ted Williams' Life or Death Controversy Resurrected

Published: Thu, 25 Aug 2005, 13:45:00 EDT

Edited by Christopher Simmons

NEW YORK, NY - August 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE0 -- What would be the ultimate prize for a big-game collector of memorabilia from a larger-than-life sports legend? Curious gallery goers may find an answer in the new exhibit titled The Ted Williams Memorial Display with Death Mask from The Ben Affleck 2004 World Series Collection, hosted by the Chelsea district's First Street Gallery. The gallery kicks off its season with the world premier unveiling of the 'death mask' of baseball great Ted Williams' clinically decapitated frozen head.



Photo Caption: The controversial "death mask," of baseball great Ted Williams, displayed.


The death mask, likely the most macabre collectible of the sports hero ever created, depicts Williams as he now exists -- in a 'cryonic slumber.' Fans of Williams may remember cryonics as the controversial deep freeze that promises to preserve a head or body somewhere between life and death in hopes that future scientific advances may restore the remains to life. Williams' head is stored in a metal container filled with liquid nitrogen in Scottsdale, Arizona's Alcor Life Extension Foundation, "the largest and most technologically advanced purveyor of cryonics services in the world."

The casting of the Baseball Hall of Famer reveals a chilly facial expression of grim, yet peaceful resignation and is likely to be shocking to fans recalling images of the livelier moments of 'The Splendid Splinter' in his prime.

Compiled and arranged by exhibitor Daniel Edwards and named for the celebrity Boston Red Sox fan, The Ben Affleck 2004 World Series Collection display includes additional items for the Ted Williams and Boston Red Sox connoisseur. Some of the additional items presented are an authentic autographed ball by Ted Williams, a baseball card from 1954, and an issue of Life Magazine with Ted Williams on the cover. Also displayed are contributions from Alcor, the facility where Ted Williams' head is kept, including a baseball cap with Alcor's logo.

The exhibit will also feature the premier of a new short documentary by independent filmmaker, A. D. Calvo, that explores the macabre subject of the severed head and Ted Williams' controversial choice for life extension. Submitted for consideration in the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, Calvo's film is described as "a beautiful job," by Karen Baldwin, producer of the 2005 Oscar Best Film Nominee Ray.

Exhibition September 6 thru October 1, Reception and Screening September 8, 5:00-8:00 at FIRST STREET GALLERY 526 w 26th St. Suite 915 NY, NY 10001, www.firststreetgallery.net

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ADDITIONAL NEWS FROM First Street Gallery

» Ted's Head Reunites with Body in Bizarre Gallery Twist - Artist Answers Fans' Demands with New Bust of 'Splinter' » War and Aerial Assault of Wolves Merge in Painter's Imagination » Controversial Decision to Exhibit Ted Williams' 'Death Mask' Defended Amidst Questions of its Origin » 'Death Mask' of Baseball Star's Severed Head Featured in Exhibit - Ted Williams' Life or Death Controversy Resurrected

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