Knoxville in Knox County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Albert Milani
(1892-1972)
— Knoxville History Project —
Milani, an Italian immigrant, arrived in Knoxville around 1910 with 25 cents in his pocket. Hired by the Candoro Marble Company in South Knoxville, he served as foreman at that well-known producer, until his retirement in the late 1960s. However, it was at his home studio on Sutherland Avenue that he carved many exquisite sculptures that showcased his considerable talent.
Milani's work is featured in the Knoxville Museum of Art as well at the Candoro Arts and Heritage Center in South Knoxville. One of his most unusual commissions, a memorial to Knoxville-born racing car driver, Albert Jacob "Pete" Kreis, can be found nearby at Asbury Cemetery. Kreis was killed on a practice lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1934. The sculpture was recognized as the Most Outstanding Memorial by the New York Times.
Main Image: Thompson Photograph Collection, McClung Historical Collection
Downtown Art Wraps are coordinated by the Knoxville History Project, an educational nonprofit with a mission to research and promote the history and culture of Knoxville. KHP's educational articles and publications feature colorful characters, bizarre tales, interesting buildings, curious traditions, as well as seriously influential local events. Learn more at knoxvillehistoryproject.org
Erected by Knoxville History Project.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, and the Knoxville History Project - Downtown Art Wraps series lists.
Location. 35° 57.648′ N, 83° 55.105′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Tennessee, in Knox County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street Southwest and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street Southwest. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, at the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 West Main Street, Knoxville TN 37902, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl O'Dell Henry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Park House (about 300 feet away); Charles Krutch (about 400 feet away); Knoxville: A Divided City (about 500 feet away); Treaty of the Holston (about 500 feet away); Knox County World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away); Old Knox County Courthouse (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Knoxville History Project
Also see . . . Knoxville History Project: Marble City. Albert Milani, who grew up near the famous Carerra marble quarries in Italy, was one of several Italian stonecutters who moved to Knoxville to work for Knoxville’s marble industry. Milani’s work can be seen on the 1912 Holston Building on Gay and especially on the 1934 Post Office building on Main, (now the Tennessee Court of Appeals building). (Submitted on June 4, 2019.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 866 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on April 30, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4. submitted on May 3, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.