City of Brantford will be temporarily removing the ‘Welcome Sculpture’, which serves as a feature to the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, for necessary conservation work on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
A professionally accredited conservator from Conservation of Sculptures, Monuments and Objects, a leading organization in the field of sculpture conservation, will be removing the sculpture and conducting repairs over several months before the sculpture is returned to its home in the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition.
The sculpture, which depicts a young female hockey player tying their skates, has suffered significant structural damage over the last several years. Other sculptures in the city are made of clay and dipped in bronze, whereas this sculpture is fabricated from composite materials, including fiberglass, Bondo, and paint, to replicate a bronze-like finish.
The damage is not related to one instance but rather wear and tear over time. While there is signage beside the sculpture asking people not to lean or climb on it, visitors to the Sports Hall often take photos with it and, as such, it’s often leaned on and climbed on, which has led to the damage. Art is often at risk of damage as result of human interaction with the pieces.
The piece was originally donated by Brant Mutual Insurance in 2013. The conservation efforts are being generously paid for by Paul Aucoin from Aucoin Investments Inc.
