Dalton Trumbo Statue
A unique bronze tribute to the Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Hollywood blacklist survivor.
Nestled on Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, stands one of the most provocative public sculptures in the American West: a life-sized bronze of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo working in a bathtub. Installed in 2007, this monument honors the Grand Junction native who became one of Hollywood's most prolific writers before being blacklisted during the McCarthy era.
The statue, created by sculptor J. Michael Wilson, is based on a famous 1967 photograph. It depicts Trumbo's eccentric but necessary habit of writing in the tub to alleviate chronic back pain. Complete with a writing board, coffee cup, and cigarette, the sculpture captures the intensity of a man who wrote Oscar-winning scripts like Roman Holiday and The Brave One under pseudonyms to survive political persecution.
Positioned directly in front of the historic Avalon Theatre, the statue serves as a permanent reminder of the power of free speech and artistic integrity. It stands not only as a local memorial but as a symbol of resilience against censorship.
Key Facts
- Location: 645 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
- Artist: J. Michael Wilson
- Installed: September 2007
- Subject: Dalton Trumbo (1905–1976)
- Material: Bronze
- Context: "Legends of the Grand Valley" Project
Historical Context
The Hollywood Ten
In 1947, Trumbo refused to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) regarding his political beliefs. He was cited for contempt of Congress, served prison time, and was blacklisted from Hollywood studios.
Redemption & Recognition
Trumbo continued to write under pseudonyms, winning two Oscars he couldn't claim at the time. The blacklist was effectively broken in 1960 when he received screen credit for Spartacus and Exodus. This statue marks his hometown's reconciliation with his legacy.
The "Bathtub" Composition
The unique pose is not artistic license but historical fact. Trumbo's preferred method of working—in the tub with a parrot on his shoulder (sometimes included in depictions) and a writing board—became a symbol of his relentless drive to create despite physical and political obstacles.
Visitor Information
Access & Location The statue is located on the sidewalk at 645 Main Street, in the heart of Grand Junction's pedestrian-friendly downtown. It sits directly in front of the Avalon Theatre. The site is open to the public 24 hours a day.
Interactive Elements The sculpture is designed at street level, allowing visitors to get close to the details—including the script pages and the period-specific typewriter. It is a popular photo opportunity.
Nearby Amenities Grand Junction's Main Street is lined with sculptures (part of the Art on the Corner program), shops, and restaurants. The Avalon Theatre itself is a historic venue worth viewing.
Local Context & Connections
The statue is a cornerstone of Grand Junction's public art initiatives.