Restoration of City Hall Lions

Did you recently see some work being done on the iconic Lions outside of Brantford’s new City Hall? Did you know that each year the Economic Development and Tourism Department leads conservation and restoration efforts for the City’s invaluable Public Art collection? Public art is often at risk of damage by the environment and/or human interaction with the pieces. Specifically, factors that affect the City’s bronze monuments include humidity, UV light, acid rain, poor water drainage, proximity to city streets, and public use.

The bronze Lions were created in 1915 by artist Hamilton MacCarthy. The artwork consists of two lion figures on granite bases, located on either side of the steps leading to the former Federal Building (now City Hall) entrance on Dalhousie St. The sculptures are cast in bronze and patinated.

Toronto Art Restoration Inc. (TARI) treated the Lions in June 2021 in advance of City staff relocating to the new office space over the course of the next several months. The Lions had a thick build-up of wax, which had cracked in areas where the wax was heavily applied. Over time, water, salt and pollutants penetrate these cracks and get trapped underneath the wax coating which causes active cyclic copper corrosion or “bronze disease.” This is what made our beloved Lions look blue/green as opposed to shiny black, as they were originally. TARI was responsible for the cleaning and removal of degraded coatings, repatination, followed by the application of a new wax coating and tinted wax.

How can we keep our Public Art (especially bronze figures) in good health? For one, maintenance workers are encouraged to use sand instead of salt during inclement weather. Secondly, we can all do our part to protect the Lions by not touching them. Oily residue and acid from our skin can actually tarnish the bronze from over-handling over time.

Before Restoration

After Restoration

The Lions have been featured in a handful of movies and television series, including Season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale (2021).

Next time you are in downtown Brantford, be sure to stop by and admire these newly restored bronze beauties.