During the next few weeks, we will be putting the finishing touches on this year’s $60,000 Channing Memorial conservation effort.
Weather permitting, Daedalus will be back on site in the Public Garden scraping and painting the unique fencing that is on either side of the monument and repointing the granite base rail and posts. If you look closely, you will see the design of that fence is different than the traditional fencing that surrounds the rest of the park. The fence is an integral part of the monument’s design. Tim Mitchell, chair of the Friends Sculpture Committee, has pointed out the design that runs along the bottom of the fence is called Greek Key (you will probably recognize it from the detail on Greek buildings and pottery).
The Friends plays a vital role in caring for 42 pieces of public art in the Common, Garden, and Mall, spending an average of $100,000 each year on regular cleaning, as well as conservation and restoration when needed. This work is made possible thanks to generous donations from our members and the public.