In Store

An oasis of statues, where the Buddhas are selling like hotcakes.

"He looks like a badass cool guy,” Peter Riches of Lucca Statuary says, tapping the head of Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardens. There’s a parish of small Fiacre statues, made on-site, standing sentinel over all sorts of other statuary — cats playing fiddles, cherubs, bacchanalians, winged angels, ravens. Riches seems like a cool guy himself as he wanders the grounds of this oasis. Fountains burble quietly near the hubbub of Leary Way. Wall plaques are mounted on a long well-adorned fence. There are small figurines, perfect for a patch of shade.

Photo by Jonathan Shipley

Lucca was established in 1991 by Francine Katz. Riches came aboard in 1996 as Lucca’s reputation grew based on its Italian statuary. “Our statuary pieces,” he says, “look like they belong.” They belong in someone’s garden, to be sure. Pieces range from a planter large enough to live in to a Buddha contemplating a fern frond. “Our Buddhas sell really well. People are hoping for better times.” Buddhas, fountains, gnomes and pedestals are sure sellers at Lucca, one of four businesses owned by Riches and Katz.

Lucca Statuary is a wonderland for garden lovers. Lucca Espresso, on the lot near Riches’ restored ’51 Airstream, is always abuzz. Lucca Manufacturing, also on-site, makes angels and sailor boys, Celtic crosses and legions of Lady Lourdes. Lucca also has a gift shop in Ballard, which is doing well despite the troubled economy. The recession has forced the partners to recalibrate their business, buying more from local artisans like Nichols Brothers Stoneworks, Aw Pottery, and MUD Statuary. “Business has been good but it’s been different,” Riches says.

“It’s important to invest locally.” It’s evident that he’s proud of that local connection and of the fact that there are very few true statuary stores in the Seattle area. “We bring in things no one has ever seen around here before.”

Lucca Statuary, LTD.

3623 Leary Way NW
206.789.8444
luccastatuary.com