Seeking info about Henry Dorsey, an artist active in KY in the 1960's

[Steve Wall]

I used to visit Henry Dorsey, a black outsider artist who lived in Kentucky. I shot 16mm color footage, as well as color slides of his work over a 4 year period in the mid 1960’s.

I am now trying to learn more about him so I can create a video and print exhibit as well as a small book pertaining to his work.

If anyone on this forum can help out, it would be greatly appreciated.

Below is a bit of info I can recall.

Henry Dorsey was a retired Negro pipe fitter from St. Louis and a brick mason. He was retired by the time I discovered him in Brownsboro, KY which is just east of Louisville.

In his front yard, facing north on very rural Road he had constructed a rambling mechanical assemblage-sculpture from discarded objects he had collected over a long period of time.

Each year he constructed a new gate that tripped an amazing amount of activity powered by electric motors hooked up to belts and pulleys. His face would light up with delight when ever it all went into action!

He was profoundly hard of hearing, a consequence of his time spent in the noisy steam plant in St. Louis, making it difficult to communicate with him. He lived there with his wife.

Thank you for your response.

Steve Wall

PS: I have photos, but I haven't scanned them, so can't post them at this time.