Roar of Pride: Clemson University's Iconic Lion Finds Majestic New Home at D.W. Daniel High School

A magnificent bronze beast, weighing a formidable 700 pounds, has embarked on a new chapter, leaving the hallowed halls of Clemson University Museums to stand as a beacon of pride at D.W. Daniel High School. This isn't just any statue; it's a symbol of community, art, and the enduring spirit of the Upstate.

For years, this majestic lion, affectionately known as "Charlie" by some, graced various locations within Clemson University.

Commissioned by the Friends of Clemson University Museums and sculpted by the talented Dale Cotton in 1993, it first captivated audiences at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. Later, it found a temporary home at the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, becoming a cherished fixture for visitors and students alike.

However, with upcoming renovations at the Geology Museum and the increasing need for space, a new home for the grand feline became a necessity.

Enter D.W. Daniel High School, a fitting new pride land for a lion. As Dr. Rick Jones, Director of Clemson University Museums, explained, "The lion sculpture was originally designed to be outdoors, but it has largely been indoors since it arrived at Clemson. We’re excited that it will now live where it was intended, and that it will have a public presence at Daniel High School."

The move is more than just a relocation of art; it's a powerful statement of connection between the university and its local educational institutions.

Daniel High School, whose mascot is, fittingly, a lion, saw an incredible opportunity. Principal Josh Cook expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to be the new home for this incredible sculpture. It's a stunning piece of art that perfectly embodies our school's spirit and pride. We know our students and community will cherish it for generations."

The logistics of moving a 700-pound bronze statue were no small feat, requiring careful planning and execution.

Yet, the effort was well worth it, ensuring the lion's safe passage to its new, prominent location at the high school, where it will greet students and visitors, inspiring awe and a sense of shared heritage.

Sculptor Dale Cotton himself shared his joy about the lion's new home. "It warms my heart to know that this piece, which I poured my passion into, will continue to inspire and be admired by so many, especially young students," Cotton remarked.

"Having it at Daniel High, with their lion mascot, feels like a perfect alignment."

This magnificent transfer not only provides the sculpture with a new, permanent outdoor display as originally intended but also reinforces the strong ties between Clemson University and the surrounding community.

The lion now stands as a proud guardian, symbolizing strength, leadership, and the enduring bond between education, art, and local spirit, ready to inspire countless future generations of Daniel Lions.