Beaver (Castor canadensis) Plaster cast with dry pigment and acryloid BC72 finish prototype of ceramic beaver plaque on walls of Astor Place subway station Reproduction (1999) by Farancz Painting and Conservation Studio, New York City, of original 1904 design by Grueby Faience Company of Boston Collection of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit The New York Public Library provides the information contained on this website, including reproductions of certain items from other institutions, with the permission of those institutions, for research or educational use only. Contact Therese Tripoli, at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit (212-878-1196) for additional guidelines regarding use and reproduction of this image.

Beaver pelts were the source of John Jacob Astor’s wealth, so it is appropriate that the Astor Place subway station on the Lexington Avenue line memorializes this connection in a handsome
and well-known series of ceramic plaques. Originally installed in 1904, the plaques are spaced at 15-foot intervals, with highly decorative name panels, molding, and other details. The landmark station was completely refurbished in 1986.