Behind the scenes of the Independent Man’s restoration
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Independent Man has been undergoing some cosmic changes at the North Main Street Armory.
Gov. Dan McKee shared on X Wednesday a “sneak peak” video of conservators working on the repairs.
Here’s a sneak peek at the #IndependentManRI restoration.
Conservators are repairing areas of gold electroplating.
Coming soon: applying gold leaf to the statue. pic.twitter.com/r16QokesR3
— Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) March 6, 2024
Rhode Island’s iconic State House statue was moved to the North Main St. Armory back in January.
Just before its departure, people from all over the country came to see this once-in-a-lifetime historic figure make its touch-down to Earth. Some visitors had the chance for a photo-op with the Independent Man in the State House.
The original statue was covered in gold leaf in 1899, and during its 1970 conservation, the outer layer was repaired with plated gold rather than the gold leaf.
The 14-foot statue is now undergoing repairs, some of which include returning it to its original gold-leaf appearance.
Follow ABC6 for updates on the Independent Man’s restoration progress.
