Thompson Elk Getting Ready for its Return in April
Image courtesy of Keith Lachowicz, Regional Arts & Culture Council
After many years of advocacy, private and public support, an amazing project team, and a serious commitment to patience and project flexibility, the Elk is ready to return to its historic home this April.
At this time the stonework is done and the steel vault has been installed. Over the next few weeks the construction team will be repairing the road and putting the final touches on the site to get it ready for the Elk’s homecoming. Meanwhile, the Elk is getting ready too.
Below are photos that were taken earlier this month from our friends at Regional Arts & Culture Council of the Elk receiving a nice new coat of wax to get ready for its return.
In the first two images, Conservator Robert Krueger of Cascadia Art Conservation Center is shown "hot waxing" the Elk. In his left hand he is holding a torch that he uses to heat the bronze surface, in his right hand is a natural bristle brush loaded with a special wax mixture that he lightly touches to the surface, the heat of the metal and the composition of the wax allow it to flow onto the surface evenly. The wax protects and preserves the bronze and its patina.
The bottom two images were taken after he followed up the hot wax with a layer of "cold wax"—this is a way to add an additional layer of protection that will then be hand buffed. Buffing toughens the wax coating and causes its matte finish to take on a subtle sheen.
In the middle image, as the Elk moves back into the warehouse securely attached to its temporary pallet, you can see a bit of that buffed sheen reflected on the surface.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you and our city on April 12. Details coming soon!
Photos: Images and wax description of the Thompson Elk courtesy of Keith Lachowicz, Regional Arts & Culture Council.