Erie County Public Library’s Minerva Conservation to be performed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2020
CONTACT:
Sheryl Thomas
sthomas@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6911
Erie, PA – The Erie County Public Library announces that conservator RW Banks Restoration will perform conservation work on the library’s historic Minerva statue Tuesday, Feb.25 through Thursday, Feb. 27.
The conservation work will take place in the afternoons in the Idea Lab of Blasco Library.
The Minerva statue, which was returned to Blasco library after having gone missing for 80 years, was returned in a state of disrepair. The plaster art piece is missing several notable components and is in need of conservation efforts.
The local conservator, Russ Banks, has been busy measuring, planning and molding replacement parts that will seamlessly meld with the current look of the statue. During this public conservation stage, Banks will be fixing and restoring scratches and cracks on the body of the statue.
“The Minerva statue has had a long, difficult journey back to Erie County Public Library,” said Andrew Miller, Erie County Public Library’s adult services manager. “This essential conservation work will ensure that she can stay a symbol of wisdom in our community for many years to come. Patrons will be able to view the restoration live in Blasco Library’s Idea Lab. We hope that seeing Mr. Banks restore Minerva will inspire library patrons to start their own creative projects. It’s a great way to honor the library’s traditional past while also highlighting our vibrant future.”
Erie County Public Library has several next steps for the Minerva statue. A Request For Qualifications is currently active, inviting artists to express their interest in designing the future pedestal for the freshly conserved statue. Also, a public polling for the final placement of the statue with pedestal will launch March 1. Additional information can be found on the library’s webpage at .
###