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Havis Amanda – Mermaid Facelift

March 26, 2023 By Mermaids of Earth Leave a Comment

Havis Amanda, the amazing 115-year-old bronze mermaid statue in Helsinki, will be transferred to a conservation facility in early May 2023 for renovations on the fountain and the sculpture. The duration of the repairs will depend on the outcome of archaeological excavations, but the work is expected to continue until August 2024.

Havis Amanda
Havis Amanda in Helsinki. Photo © by Matt Prince.

The fountain and its bronze sculptures are a work of art by artist Ville Vallgren, and the statue has a special significance as part of cultural history and the cityscape since 1908

The statue has been damaged over the years, including during various student and sports celebrations that have prompted people to climb onto it. The salty and windy marine climate has also worn the surface of the sculpture.

“Havis Amanda has undergone minor maintenance on a regular basis, but this is our first opportunity to carry out thorough renovation and conservation procedures,” says Polina Semenova, public art conservator at Helsinki Art Museum.

The cracks and holes in the bronze will be repaired and patinated, and the conservator will also carry out a comprehensive surface conservation process on the bronze parts.

The renovation project will also involve restoring the water basin and foundation of the statue. The depressions on the surface of the square will be fixed, and the traditional pavement will be restored at the end of the project. The technology of the fountain and the related pipelines will also be renovated.

A permanent system will be built to allow for capping ceremonies and maintenance work, so that these can be done without stressing the sculpture itself.

Here is a link to the full page with information on Havis Amanda.

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