Meet Agnes, a life-sized, carved wooden sheep that has been a treasured resident of the New Brunswick Museum’s collection since 1961.
For over 80 years, this charming sculpture watched over the streets of Saint John, guiding customers to local businesses like John R. Smith’s variety store and John Alexander Davidson, Sr. ‘s wool shop. But Agnes’ story began to fray around the edges – literally. Decades of exposure to the elements took their toll, and by the time she arrived at the museum, layers of protective paint had masked her delicate carvings and detailed features.
Before reappearing at the museum, Agnes paid a visit to NBM Conservator Dee Stubbs-Lee’s lab for some much-needed TLC. Dee’s expert eyes spotted extensive cracks in the paint layers and wooden structure, a legacy of temperature and humidity fluctuations. One particularly deep gash ran from Agnes’ chest, around her neck, and down her spine, leaving her looking a bit the worse for wear. But Dee was undeterred. With a gentle touch and a deep understanding of the conservation process, she set to work restoring Agnes to her former glory.
Dee began by carefully cleaning Agnes’ surface with a conservation-grade detergent and distilled water. Using cotton swabs and solvents, she coaxed away years of grime and grunge, revealing the intricate carvings and textures beneath. Next, she turned her attention to the cracks, carefully filling them with a soft wax that would flex with Agnes’ wooden fibres, reducing the visibility of the damage and protecting her from further harm.
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. As the wax fill dried, Agnes’ cracks began to fade, and her original charm reasserted itself. Her woolly coat, once matted and dull, now shone with a soft, golden light. Even her expressive face seemed to relax, as if relieved to be free from the weight of years.
Today, Agnes is back on display in the Discovery Gallery, ready to delight a new generation of kids and kids at heart. Her story is a testament to the power of conservation and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. As you visit Agnes, take a moment to imagine the countless people who passed beneath her watchful gaze on Union Street and Charlotte Street, or the skilled hands of carver Robert Graham, who brought her to life around 1875.
Take a closer look at the before-and-after photos to see the amazing transformation for yourself:
- Before treatment: Agnes’ weathered surface and deep cracks are evident in these close-up shots.
- During treatment: Dee carefully removes a loose section of paint and wood to reveal the extent of the damage.
- After treatment: Agnes’ restored surface glows with a soft, warm light, her cracks barely visible to the naked eye.
Don’t miss your chance to meet Agnes, the beloved wooden sheep, in the Discovery Gallery at the New Brunswick Museum. With her new lease on life, she’s ready to capture your heart and transport you back in time to a bygone era of Saint John’s rich history.
