For many years, The Helmsman stood in front of, and was a trademark for, the world renowned Helms Bakery on Venice Boulevard in Culver City, California. In the early 1970s, the statue was generously donated to the County by the Helms family. It is now situated at the end of Mindanao Way in Burton W. Chace Park, overlooking the Marina Del Rey Harbor.

The Helmsman is an approximately 10' h painted concrete figure in staunch repose with both hands clenched on a wooden helm. His posture is tight, his body hunched over, and his expression determined. Although formerly the symbol of the unfaltering delivery service of the Helms Bakery, The Helmsman fits perfectly in this maritime environment.

About the Artist: Carl Romanelli was born and raised in Los Angeles, the seventh generation in a lineage of sculptors. His works can be seen at St. Michael's Church, Los Angeles; St. Vincent de Paul, Los Angeles; and Temple Shaarei Tikvah, Arcadia. Romanelli also created the Joseph Scott statue, at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, as well as a likeness of Elvis Presley which resides outside the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

Photo credit: © Ruth Wallach