Watch this film of artist Charles Jones and his work to curate Boilermakers’ history through the Boilermakers History Preservation Department—and through his artwork.
See the virtual gallery and stories behind the work of artist Charles Alan Jones.
It is with great sadness that we share that artist Charles Alan Jones, Director of the Boilermakers History Preservation Department passed away April 3, 2020 after a sudden and brief battle with cancer.
Because of Charles’ love of history and passion for narrating the past through his artwork, the rich history of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers will live long into the future.
“Charles had a unique combination of hands-on skill as a tradesman blended into his talent as an artist,” said Newton B. Jones, former International President, who is Charles Jones’ brother. “He was a master at bringing our history to life and transforming Boilermaker pride into incredible works of art.
“Charles well lived and loved the Boilermaker trade. He epitomized what it means to be a craftsman.”
Charles Jones began working in field construction on permit in 1969 and was a member of Local 29 (Boston). He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western Carolina State University in 1973.
As Director of the Boilermakers History Preservation Department, he successfully undertook the massive project to collect, organize and safeguard tens of thousands of artifacts, documents, photos and other items from the Brotherhood’s deep history—some of the items dating back to 1880. Under his leadership, the department designed a museum at International headquarters, created an online museum (https://www.boilermakermuseum.org/), created—and made by hand—uniquely stunning awards and sculptures, designed striking visual displays for Boilermaker conventions and conferences, and shepherded the poignant films that so powerfully tell the Boilermaker story.
“Those who knew Charles or experienced the gift of his work understand well the indelible impact of his infinite infectious kindness, as well as his artistic skill and passion,” said President Newton Jones. “His legacy, and that of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, will live long into the future because of the beautiful original artwork he created and the great care he took to preserve and curate the history of our organization.”
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Charles Jones speaks at the 2016 Southeast Area Tripartite conference.
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Charles Jones works on a Riveter to be installed at a new training center. Jones created the original sculpture, and he and his team produced it in various sizes for awards and special displays.
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Charles Jones poses with a finished bronze Riveter.
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Charles Jones works on a unique design at the Boilermaker History Preservation Department’s shop.
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Charles Jones designed this custom case and Tuscan column inspired base for the Cattolica award presented to Bank of Labor for producing “Lobstermen,” a video by Wide Awake Films.
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Charles Jones designed and built a torn-form aluminum table for the 2019 PowerGen conference held in New Orleans, LA.
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Under Charles Jones’ leadership, The Boilermakers and Wide Awake Films won two Telly Awards. The left was presented in 2012 for the film “The Boilermaker Legacy” and the right in 2015 for “The Boilermaker Code.”
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A line of finished Riveter statues is ready to be shipped to locals, training centers and union-friendly dignitaries.
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A custom fabricated reception desk, created by artist Charles Jones, for the JG Cooksey Training Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
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A completed bronze Riveter, designed by artist Charles Jones, stands on a custom designed and built base.
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The reveal of one of the Riveter’s hands molded in wax.
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Artist Charles Jones designed and created this bronze cast pen quill as the Legislator of the Year Award presented to union advocates by the Boilermakers.
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Artist Charles Jones’ Heroes Engine was inspired by the first steam engine, Aeolipile.
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Charles Jones applying heat to a finished Riveter statue, giving it a unique color.
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Under the direction of artist Charles Jones, the Boilermakers History Preservation Department created these installations for the 2016 Boilermaker Convention.
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This wall of historical Boilermaker photos, created by the Boilermakers History Preservation Department under Charles Jones leadership, is installed at the Bank of Labor in Washington, D.C.