Re-arming Venus
A seventeen tonne marble sculpture, the 'Spirit of Liverpool', is the first exhibit visitors will see at the city's new £7.2 million arts Conservation Centre when it opens this month and work begins (visitors will be allowed in later in the year). But not as she looked 120 years ago, when in pristine condition she graced the roof of the nearby Walker Art Gallery. The close-up shock of her decrepitude, ravaged by a cruel century of Liverpool's sea air, rain and pollutants, demonstrates the purpose of the new centre. 'She stands as a symbol of what conservation is all about' says head of sculpture conservation John Larson.
As the picture below shows, it was temporarily restored with plasticine features replacing the eroded originals to make a mould to cast a new statue for the Walker. Once the new statue is in place these 'cosmetic' parts will be removed and the 'Spirit' will once again show her true age.
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