Allerton sculptures to be restored and you can watch

By Craig Chamberlain

Weather, wildlife and vandals have taken their toll on some
of the 100 outdoor sculptures on display at the UI's Robert
Allerton Park and Conference Center, near Monticello.

But two sculptures at the top of the park's restoration list
will soon get the attention they need, and park visitors
will have the opportunity to view the process beginning
April 15.

The work is made possible by a $14,339 Conservation Project
Support grant from the Institute for Museum Services, a
federal agency that provides general operating support for
museums. Local conservator Sharon Koehler has been hired to
carry out the project.

A dozen sculptures have been identified as needing
significant restoration. By making the restoration of the
two sculptures into demonstration projects, Allerton
Director Jerrold Soesbe said park officials hope to educate
staff on the proper care and maintenance of the sculptures
and to inform park visitors on the role of conservation in
the preservation of public art collections, especially
outdoor sculpture.

"Finally, we hope to educate potential donors about the need
for funding to treat and maintain other objects in the
Allerton collection," he said.

One of the two sculptures, "Girl With a Scarf," is a life-
size abstract figure created by German artist Lili Auer in
1941. One of the first works of art to be made from modeled
cement, it was purchased by Robert Allerton in 1942 and
placed at the focal point of the park's Brick Walled Garden.

After more than 50 years in that spot, the sculpture has
been discolored by lichen and weakened by cracks and surface
loss, Koehler said. Restoration should take about three
weeks, after which it will be returned to the garden.

The other sculpture, "Venus," is a skilled copy, by an
unknown 19th-century artist, of Italian sculptor Antonio
Canova's "Venus Italica." Carved in Carrara marble, "Venus"
has deteriorated rapidly in its exposed location in the
park's formal gardens.

Its surface has become "sugary," and the figure has
sustained major cracks and fissures, Koehler said.
Restoration should take about five weeks, after which it
will be displayed in a more protected location, possibly
indoors.

Most of the restoration work will be done between 10 a.m.
and 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday each week in a building
near the park's visitor center. Those interested in viewing
the restoration should stop at the visitor center during
those hours - although anyone making a special trip is
advised to call ahead, at 244-1035, since the schedule is
subject to change.