1865 Company Releases New Bust of Dr. Charles Drew

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1865 Company Releases New Bust of Dr. Charles Drew

New 1865 Company bronze desk busts commemorate social justice, education and medical advocates Mary McLeod Bethune, Frederick Douglass and Dr. Charles Drew.

WASHINGTON, DC, October 10, 2012 – 1865 Company is pleased to announce the release of its newest Bronze Desk Bust of Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) who developed the modern blood bank by designing a method to separate plasma from the rest of the blood so it can be stored for a longer period of time.  Dr. Drew’s likeness now joins busts of activist Frederick Douglass and education pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune currently sold exclusively through 1865 Company.

The collection was a longtime dream of 1865 Company president Patrice Davenport who had in the past sought to purchase high-quality historical statues, but was unable to locate African American luminaries in sculptural form.  “I found busts of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and even Albert Einstein but not of black pioneers who were part of America’s social and developmental fabric such as Thurgood Marshall, Frederick Douglass and Mary McLeod Bethune. I set out to create a commemorative collection for historically-minded American consumers,” says Davenport.

1865 Company selected Charles Drew as third in their series of five desk busts because Dr. Drew was instrumental in developing blood plasma processing, storage and transfusion therapy during World War II. His groundbreaking work in the large-scale production of human plasma was eventually used by the U.S. Army and the American Red Cross as the basis for blood banks.  Each Charles Drew Bronze Desk Bust is hand finished by UK artist Charlotte Smith from the Sculpture Mill, meticulously capturing the essence of Dr. Drew’s compassion for and commitment to all humankind. 

1865 Company busts are stunning 9 inch tall bronze likenesses of American patriots characterized by steely determination and a confident gaze. Cast and mounted in a classic bronze patina, the busts come engraved with an inspirational quote from each subject.  “1865 Company busts are patriotic reminders of how one person can transform and influence millions of lives,” adds Davenport.  Dr. Drew’s bust features his promise, “Excellence of performance will transcend artificial barriers created by man.” 

The Charles Drew Bronze Desk Bust is the perfect gift for fine art lovers, medical professionals and history buffs who are inspired by this extraordinary man’s contributions. Dr. Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood and during his short life achieved recognition. He was the first African American to receive a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University and the first black surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery.  Everyone should know of and celebrate the work of Dr. Charles Drew as one of the most honored and respected figures in the medical field--his development of the blood plasma bank has given a second chance of life to millions.



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About 1865 Company
The 1865 Company collection features inspirational works of art that reflect the sheer expression of human potential.  Our finely crafted fine jewelry, collectibles, and executive gifts give clients the chance to own something that will be used, treasured and serve as a witness to history through generations.  The 1865 Company brand honors the American experience through the lens of the unsung heroism that became the manifestation of America's ideals of equality and freedom. The name is derived from the pivotal year 1865 (when the Civil War ended and the Thirteenth Amendment was passed), abolishing slavery nationwide.  Information about the company can be accessed at www.1865Co.com.

Media Contact: 
Patrice Davenport, pdavenport@1865Company.com