Edgar Allan Poe Bronze Bust Unveiling Gets its First Backer: Guillermo del Toro

Boston, Massachusetts (June 13, 2014) — First, it was announced that Boston’s estranged literary son, Edgar Allan Poe, was coming home to the Boston Public Library in the form of a life-sized bronze bust meant to last through the ages. Next came the news that filmmaker Izzy Lee and bust sculptor Bryan Moore were bringing Dennis Paoli’s brilliant play Nevermore: An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe featuringJeffrey Combs as Poe to the Somerville Theatre on October 31, 2014.

Now the Edgar Allan Poe Bronze Bust Project team declares that they launched a Kickstarter to fund the actual materials, casting process costs, and shipping fees associated with a project of this magnitude. But the best surprise the bust project team could have gotten? Within 20 minutes of launching the Kickstarter, fantasy/horror director Guillermo del Toro swooped in to give the project a healthy injection of funds, thereby ensuring that generations of Poe admirers will be able to visit this gift of art.

In exchange for his generosity, Guillermo del Toro (The Strain, Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, Cronos), a known collector of horror memorabilia, will receive a replica of the life-sized Edgar Allan Poe bronze bust to add to his vast stockpile of treasures. Poe fans can follow suit by purchasing posters, signed Black Cat DVDs, signed Mrs. Poe books, tote bags, t-shirts, magazine subscriptions, audio plays, jewelry, and more.

Poe bust sculptor Bryan Moore weighed in on del Toro’s contribution: “I am humbled by the generosity of my pal Guillermo del Toro. Not only did he support the H.P. Lovecraft Bronze Bust Project, but he came back and graciously gave to help put the bust of Poe in the Boston Public Library for generations to come. I’m a lucky guy to call this incredibly kind gentleman and visionary my friend.”

Boston-based filmmaker Izzy Lee, who is producing Nevermore at the Somerville Theatre, said this: “We are humbled, hushed, and honored that someone as amazing as Guillermo del Toro, one of the greatest artistic minds of our generation, is a major backer of this project. He’s a personal hero of mine, and I cannot wait to thank him in person when we deliver his bust replica. I hope I’ll be able to stand upright and that I don’t burst into tears from sheer gratitude.”

The bust unveiling is slated for the evening of October 30, 2014 in the Boston Public Library’s Abbey Room, and “Nevermore: An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe,” will be performed (one night only) at the Somerville Theatre on October 31, 2014.

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