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Satisfying Timelapse Shows Iconic NYPL Lions Getting A Laser Bath
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 1, 2019
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Courtesy of the NYPL
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 1, 2019
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In August, it was announced that the iconic New York Public Library lion statues — Patience and Fortitude — would go into hibernation as they underwent a restorative cleaning. Today they were officially unveiled to the public, following two months of being enveloped in scaffolding, where they were getting a laser bath. Thankfully, the NYPL took a timelapse and plenty of photos, because no before & after is more satisfying than a New York City power wash before & after.
The last time these marble lions got cleaned up was in 2011 (before that 2004), and this isn't just a cleaning process to remove the Midtown grime from their surface, but to fix cracks as well—the whole treatment cost around $270,000, and was funded by New York Life Foundation and private donors.
“The lions have enjoyed the full spa treatment and are now back out on Fifth Avenue, stoically delighting and welcoming visitors to our 42nd Street Library,” said New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx. “For over a century Patience and Fortitude have sat outside the Library, calmly assuring New Yorkers, scholars and visitors that truth and knowledge will always prevail, even in the darkest times. It is our responsibility to be great stewards of our beloved, noble lions and ensure that they are in the best possible condition to inspire the public now and for generations to come. Thanks to this project, they are back to being the true kings of this city.”
The lions have been guarding the 5th Avenue entrance since 1911, standing their ground as " international symbols of open access to knowledge and information." The duo were carved at Piccirilli Brothers in the Bronx, and first named Leo Astor and Leo Lenox. They were later renamed by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia during the Depression because he believed that "New Yorkers needed 'patience and fortitude' to survive the tough times."
They're beloved now, but when they were first unveiled over 100 years ago, the NY Times reported that New Yorkers called them "squash-faced, mealy-mouthed and complacent." One man even wrote in, declaring: "We do not want square-jawed lions."
Swing by to see the newly-laser-bathed beasts, who will soon be wearing their specially-made holiday wreaths (which include no metal and do not retain water to protect the marble). As always, you'll find Patience on the south side, and Fortitude on the north.
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patience and fortitude
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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