Lion

Made in 1916 by James L. Thomson, a Scottish stonemason, the concrete lion was modelled after the bronze lions in Admiral Nelson's Monument in Trafalgar Square, London, England. By 1999, Calgary's harsh weather and vibrations from traffic crossing the bridge had left the lions and the bridge in need of repair. Investigations revealed that restoring the lions would not provide a satisfactory or long-term fix: the crumbling concrete would simply not last into the future. After much debate and controversy, it was decided that the existing lions would be "retired," and replaced with replicas. The lion shown here is an original lion. Layers of repairs made to him over the years have been removed, and expert sculptor Illyas Pagonis has restored him to his original form. This restored lion has also provided the model for the new lions that currently sit atop the rehabilitated bridge. Now guarding the entrance to Calgary's Municipal Building, this lion is partially sheltered from the elements, and no longer shaken by passing traffic. Viewers can get a close-up view of Thomson and Pagonis's work, while also having the opportunity to reflect on Calgary's past, and its dynamic, changing future.

Made in 1916 by James L. Thomson, a Scottish stonemason, the concrete lion was modelled after the bronze lions in Admiral Nelson's Monument in Trafalgar Square, London, England. By 1999, Calgary's harsh weather and vibrations from traffic crossing the bridge had left the lions and the bridge in need of repair. Investigations revealed that restoring the lions would not provide a satisfactory or long-term fix: the crumbling concrete would simply not last into the future. After much debate and controversy, it was decided that the existing lions would be "retired," and replaced with replicas. The lion shown here is an original lion. Layers of repairs made to him over the years have been removed, and expert sculptor Illyas Pagonis has restored him to his original form. This restored lion has also provided the model for the new lions that currently sit atop the rehabilitated bridge. Now guarding the entrance to Calgary's Municipal Building, this lion is partially sheltered from the elements, and no longer shaken by passing traffic. Viewers can get a close-up view of Thomson and Pagonis's work, while also having the opportunity to reflect on Calgary's past, and its dynamic, changing future.