BOSTON (WHDH) –
Two pieces of history that have watched over Boston for more than a century were restored to their posts at the Old State House.
The famed golden lion and silver unicorn statues have been perched on the corners of Boston’s oldest public building since 1901, but were taken down in September to undergo extensive restoration.
“The transformation of both animals under the able hands of our conservator, Bob Shore, is just simply astounding,” said Brian Lemay of the Bostonian Society.
Bob Shore, the artist who restored the two statues, removed the dents and blemishes from the copper bodies. He then coated the lion with gold leaf and the unicorn with palladium, which won’t tarnish over time like the old silver coating did. The removal, restoration, and reinstallation cost about $100,000.
The time capsule that was discovered when the lion statue was removed was located in the crown, but the new capsule was placed in the freshly painted scroll for easier access when it is due to be opened 100 years from now.
Items placed inside included an iPhone, Red Sox memorabilia, and a Mike’s Pastry box, minus the cannoli. Other items were photos of Mayors Walsh and Menino, a copy of The Boston Globe and a medal from the 2013 Boston Marathon, donated by one of the runners.