Anson Burlingame and the Principles of Eternal Justice will be the City’s first permanent public artwork located in Washington Park, in the heart of Burlingame, adjacent to the historic train station and Burlingame High School. The artwork – which consists of two large sculptural portals representing the USA and China, six benches with inspirational quotes on courage, tolerance and equality, and a pathway mural representing the bringing together of different people – is intended to convey Burlingame’s values and his lifelong fight for equality of people and nations. Burlingame was a fierce abolitionist whose passionate speeches against slavery in the House of Representatives and across the country in the 1850s helped ignite popular opinion against the institution of slavery and get Abraham Lincoln elected. His later work as the first US Ambassador to China, and author of the first ever treaty between China and the United States, was another groundbreaking achievement that earned him the admiration of both governments and thought leaders across the country.

Roloff’s artwork, Anson Burlingame and the Principles of Eternal Justice, continues his interest in public spaces, authentic materials and craftsmanship, and a life-long commitment to providing a voice and meeting place for all through conceptual and physical artworks. “Burlingame’s historical and global voice is needed now more than ever,” said Roloff. “That’s why I decided to literally carve Burlingame’s words of equity, justice, and cooperation into the two anchoring Eastern and Western portals, and add complementary inspirational quotes on the benches in between.” These statements are reproduced for all to read in English and Chinese. Roloff includes Mark Twain’s tribute to Anson Burlingame interspersed with statements by other eloquent advocates for equality and freedom, including Martin Luther King, Toni Morrison, Sojourner Truth, and Chief Joseph (Nez Perce).

The portals and benches are intended to create a conversation and place for viewer contemplation and discourse on Burlingame’s values – values which resonate and are needed as much today as they were in the 19th century.