Accomplished sculptor Leslie Garland Bolling's grave uncovered at Henrico cemetery

A decades-long mystery at Woodland Cemetery in Henrico has finally been solved with the discovery of Leslie Bolling's grave, an artist whose work graces some of America's most prestigious museums.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A decades-long mystery at Woodland Cemetery in Henrico has finally been solved with the discovery of Leslie Garland Bolling's grave, an artist with Richmond roots whose work graces some of America's most prestigious museums. Bolling, a largely self-taught sculptor who attended Virginia Union University, found his subjects living next door in Jackson Ward and carved individuals often overlooked during the era of Jim Crow. His sculptures of a cobbler, cook and washwoman caught the attention of art critics, and in 1935 he became the first Black person to have a one-man exhibit at the Richmond Academy of Arts.

Why it matters

Bolling's work represents the vibrant African-American experience in Richmond's Jackson Ward, also known as the 'Harlem of the South' and 'Black Wall Street,' during a difficult time in the Great Depression. His sculptures, which are now part of prestigious museum collections across the country, provide a window into the day-to-day lives of people who were often overlooked and marginalized during the Jim Crow era.

The details

Henrico County History Specialist and Woodland volunteer Mark Shubert had been searching for Bolling's grave across the sprawling 33 acres of Woodland Cemetery for decades. After probing the plot many times, Shubert finally uncovered Bolling's flat headstone, which was buried about a foot and a half down. Bolling, who died in 1955, was a largely self-taught sculptor who carved individuals from his community in Jackson Ward using only a scroll saw, pocket knives, and other basic tools. His work caught the attention of art critics and was featured in a groundbreaking one-man exhibit at the Richmond Academy of Arts in 1935, the first such exhibit for a Black artist in Virginia.

  • Bolling died in 1955.
  • In 1935, the Richmond Academy of Arts featured Bolling's work in a one-man exhibit, which was a first for a Black person in Virginia.

The players

Leslie Garland Bolling

A largely self-taught sculptor from Surry County, Virginia, who lived in Jackson Ward in the 1920s and 30s and carved individuals often overlooked during the era of Jim Crow.

Mark Shubert

A Henrico County History Specialist and Woodland Cemetery volunteer who spent decades searching for Bolling's grave.

John Mitchell

The executive director of Woodland Cemetery, who wants to tell the stories of the people buried there.

Barbara Batson

An author who literally wrote the book on Bolling and his work.

Christina Vida

With the Valentine History Center, which has a treasured Bolling sculpture in its collection.

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What they’re saying

“We want to tell the stories of the people here. This is the connective tissue to Richmond. Woodland Cemetery is a Haven. A Haven for history.”

— John Mitchell, Woodland Cemetery Executive Director

“If you look at some of his carvings, he really wanted to show people from Richmond. The African-American experience, what was going on back then.”

— John Mitchell, Woodland Cemetery Executive Director

“You do not need to be from Richmond to appreciate Bolling's artwork. It has that spark of life. You can see the cuticle on his hand. You can see the veins and folds of skin of the knuckles.”

— Christina Vida, The Valentine History Center

The takeaway

The rediscovery of Leslie Garland Bolling's grave shines a light on the remarkable artistic legacy of this largely self-taught sculptor, whose work captured the vibrant African-American experience in Richmond's Jackson Ward during a difficult era. Bolling's sculptures, which are now part of prestigious museum collections across the country, serve as a powerful testament to the humanity and resilience of the people he depicted.