The City of Fredericton is exploring ways to preserve a beloved piece of New Brunswick history.
The beavers have been a popular piece of art in Fredericton’s downtown for more than 60 years – and the sculpture is starting to deteriorate.
Last year, the City hired a professional conservator from Nova Scotia to assess the sculpture and make recommendations on its repair. It was noted the sculpture, made from grey limestone weighing about 3,000 pounds, is weathered from decades of snow and ice, with many cracks that have spread and widened over the years. The stone needs to be cleaned to remove moss, fungus and old weeds. As well, the eye belonging to the smaller beaver is damaged and its ears are chipped. It was determined, the sculpture needs to be restored and moved inside to prevent future damage.
The Province commissioned the piece in 1959 as a gift to Lord Beaverbrook for his 80th birthday. The beavers were created by esteemed Acadian artist Claude Roussel. Roussel was an assistant curator at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery the year it opened and the sculpture was his first significant venture working with stone.
“The Beavers sculpture is public art deserving of a public location,” said New Brunswick Artist Claude Roussel. “It is timely to discuss the fate of this artwork after enduring the elements for 65 years. And it is my hope these restoration and conservation measures be undertaken to ensure future generations can enjoy these beloved Beavers.”
The original installation at Officers’ Square included a circular wading pool with the beavers sitting at its edge. The wading pool was removed in the early 1990s and the statue remained in place on a concrete pedestal for another 30 years. In 2016, the City moved the beavers into storage when it began revitalization work in Officers’ Square to prevent further damage. Now, after considering various locations to display the sculpture once it is restored, the City is recommending the Beaverbrook Art Gallery where the public could enjoy it once again and be reminded of Roussel’s timeless gift to Fredericton.
“This is a piece of New Brunswick history that has left a lasting impression on residents,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “It’s crucial we find a space that is sensitive to the art, the artist and the original intent of this work .”
Restoration work will start later this year and the sculpture will be presented to the public at an official ceremony.