The Lions Arrive at the State Capitol
April 22, 2008
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Many Utahns remember the four lions posted at the east and west entrances to the Utah State Capitol.
The Capitol Preservation Board is pleased to announce the arrival of the first two new lions sculptures specifically commissioned as part of the Utah State Capitol restoration and base isolation project. After spending over a year in Ohio, the two new marble symbolic guardians of Utah’s Capitol, a pair of beautifully sculpted lions, are heading toward their new home in Salt Lake City.
Following a thorough examination during the beginning days of the restoration project, it was concluded that weather had deteriorated the original creatures enough to require commissioning new sculptures. Although, the originals had already been restored once before, a second restoration was not feasible.
The original lions were created in 1915, by sculptor Gavin Jack and later repaired in 1977, by local artist Ralphael Plescia. The new lions were sculpted in Italian carrera marble by Nick Fairplay, British master carver. Italian marble is a very durable material, was chosen in order to extend the life of the Capitol’s new lions. The originals were sculpted in cement, a material much more conducive to erosion.
Installation of the incoming lions atop the stairs of the east entrance to the Capitol will begin Monday, April 21st. It will end the following day, Tuesday, April 22nd. These lions have been given names symbolic of the virtues they represent. The arriving lions are called Fortitude and Integrity. Their counterparts, named Honor and Patience, will join them when they are placed at the west entrance sometime this autumn. In addition to the symbolism of their names, each lion represents a different stage of life.
“I know many Utahns fondly remember the old lions at the Capitol. We hope all visitors young and old are able to create new and lasting memories along side the Capitol’s new lions,” David H. Hart, AIA, Architect of the Capitol.
Contact Us
Capitol Preservation BoardPO Box 142110
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-2110
801-538-3074