For the third consecutive year, the Art Gallery of Northumberland, has completed conservation work on the public sculpture Introibo Ad Altari Dei on King Street. This annual maintenance is part of a long-term effort to preserve the town’s outdoor public artworks in accordance with cultural heritage best practices.

Created by Canadian sculptor William McElcheran, Introibo Ad Altari Dei holds a significant place in Cobourg’s cultural landscape as the town’s first outdoor public artwork, originally installed in 1988 in front of the former Henley Arcade.

This year’s conservation process, carried out by AGN’s Cultural Heritage Manager, Lindsay Fler, involved a detailed wet/dry cleaning to remove surface contaminants such as pollutants, biological growth, and built-up grime. A protective wax coating was then applied to help safeguard the bronze from moisture, corrosion, and environmental wear. These actions are essential not only for aesthetic preservation but also to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the piece.

Public artworks like Introibo Ad Altari Dei are living parts of our shared heritage and preventative conservation ensures they remain accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for generations to come.

Keep an eye out for a new plaque to help share the history and significance of the sculpture with passersby!