August 30, 2012

By David Nguyen

We are excited to learn that three of Portland’s historic sculptures: the George Washington, the Sacagawea and Jean-Baptiste, and the Portland Building's iconic Portlandia, will be receiving some much-needed restoration thanks to a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

The $5,000 grant will offer treatments for the George Washington and the Sacagawea and Jean-Baptiste, including removal of built-up oxidation on their bronze surfaces, hot-wax treatment to control future oxidation, and cleaning of the monuments' bases and pedestals.
 
Portlandia, the second largest hammered-copper sculpture in the U.S. - second only to the Statue of Liberty - will receive a complete condition assessment along with an inspection of its internal steel frame and mounts.  Experts will assess the accumulation of dirt, and work on clean-up.  The last large-scale cleaning of Portlandia was in 2006.

Restoration of these sculptures is expected to be completed by April 2013.

In the photo: Portlandia statue

Grant to help restore historic Portland sculptures

James Mayer in The Oregonian