The Porter Rockwell Bronze Bust by Matt Glenn: A Rare LDS Collectible

In the world of Latter-day Saint art and memorabilia, few figures command as much fascination as Orrin Porter Rockwell. Among the many tributes to this legendary frontiersman is a limited-run bronze bust sculpted by artist Matt Glenn of Mormon Art & Bronze, based in Provo, Utah.

Artist: Matt Glenn

Matt Glenn is a professional sculptor and founder of Big Statues, a studio known for producing large-scale bronze monuments across the United States. His work often centers on historical and religious themes, and he has been commissioned for numerous civic, military, and Latter-day Saint-related pieces.

The bust of Porter Rockwell bears his signature—“MG ’96”—on the back, indicating the year it was sculpted. Glenn confirmed that he created the piece himself during his early career as a sculptor. Further, if MormonWiki can be trusted, it states: “Porter Rockwell as the subject of his first sculpture,” so from that, one might assume this bust was Matt’s first work, if not just among his early works.

Limited Production

According to Matt Glenn, approximately 50 of these busts were made. The original mold has since been lost, and as a result, the bust is no longer in production. Glenn indicated that if he had the mold and were to cast the piece today, he would price it around $250, though the secondary market value may vary depending on condition and provenance.

The busts were likely distributed through small religious and historical bookstores, including one operated by Estel and Cecel Neff in Nauvoo, Illinois. The Neffs ran a bookstore originally opened in 1988 in Hamilton, IL, and later moved it to Mulholland Street in Nauvoo around 1998. The store operated out of a cottage at 1695 Mulholland St. until its closure sometime before 2021.

Label and Studio Details

Original examples of the bust may feature a sticker on the underside with the following information:

Mormon Art & Bronze  
815 West Columbia Lane  
Provo, Utah 84604  
(801) 373-5655

Though not widely advertised today, Mormon Art & Bronze remains associated with Matt Glenn’s early bronze work and may still be reachable for inquiries related to past sculptures.

A Collector’s Note

This Porter Rockwell bust stands as a unique piece of LDS artistic heritage. With its limited run, direct connection to a prominent sculptor, and now-lost mold, it offers collectors a tangible link to both the mythos of Rockwell and the devotional art traditions of the Latter-day Saint community.

If you own one of these busts or know of others in circulation, we’d love to hear from you and continue building a record of known examples.