Fredericton’s famous beaver sculpture has found a new place to call home.
The Beavers have moved to their permanent home in the entryway of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where visitors will be able to enjoy them. The sculpture will be placed in the front glass vestibule of the museum, so it’s the first thing visitors will see when they enter the building. Residents will also be able to see the Beavers from outside the gallery.
The Beavers statue has been a popular piece of art in Fredericton’s downtown for more than 60 years. But over the years, the sculpture started to deteriorate and needed to move inside to prevent future damage.
“The Beavers sculpture was created as public art deserving of a public location,” said New Brunswick Artist Claude Roussel, who created the sculpture. “I am thrilled about the preservation measures that were swiftly undertaken by the City of Fredericton to ensure future generations can enjoy these beloved Beavers.”
The City hired a professional conservator from Nova Scotia to preserve the Beavers throughout the summer. The sculpture, made from grey limestone weighing about 3,000 pounds, became weathered from decades of snow and ice, with many cracks that have spread and widened over the years. The stone needed to be cleaned to remove moss, fungus and old weeds. As well, the eye belonging to the smaller beaver was damaged and its ears were chipped.
The sculpture holds a long, distinguished history in New Brunswick’s capital. The Province commissioned the piece in 1959 as a gift to Lord Beaverbrook for his 80th birthday. The Beavers were created by Roussel, an esteemed Acadian artist. Roussel was also an assistant curator at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery the year it opened and the sculpture was his first significant venture working with stone.
“This sculpture is a strong representation Fredericton’s history, and promising future,” said Mayor Kate Rogers. “I am pleased Fredericton’s beloved 'Beavers' has made its way to a new home where residents can admire the sculpture with fond memories. Visitors will have the opportunity to view this revived piece of artwork for many years to come.
The gallery already owns a large collection of Roussel's work, including the miniature plaster maquette of the Beavers he used to plan the full-size sculpture.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the ‘Beavers’ sculpture to its new home at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and invite everyone to come view it at our main entrance, the Harrison McCain Pavilion. This restoration project, done in collaboration with the City of Fredericton, celebrates New Brunswick’s rich cultural heritage and the power of community partnership. Claude Roussel’s ‘Beavers’ is a cherished part of Fredericton’s history and a beautiful testament to the immense talent of Acadian artists,” said Bernard Doucet, Executive Director of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. “We’re excited for the community to enjoy this iconic piece once again."
The beaver sculpture is considered an icon to Fredericton and will remain at the art gallery for the public to enjoy.