Independent Man's return to top of RI State House delayed
Oct 29, 2024
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It looks like the Independent Man will remain on the ground for much longer than initially anticipated.
In a statement to 12 News, the R.I. Department of Administration's Karen Greco explained that the marble ordered to replace the statue's base has not arrived yet.
"Disruptions to the fabrication process, in part from Hurricane Helene, caused a delay in the delivery of the marble sourced from the same Georgia quarry used to build the State House over 125 years ago," Greco said. "This, along with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, pushed the timeline into December."
SEE ALSO: 12 News analyst helped remove Independent Man from State House in 1975
The 11-foot gold leaf statue, designed by artist George Brewster and cast by Gorham Manufacturing Company, was taken down from the top of the R.I. State House last year to be restored. This is only the second time the statue has been at ground level in the state's history, with the last time being nearly five decades ago.
McKee decided to have the Independent Man temporarily removed from the top of the State House after drone footage revealed a crack in its marble base.
The Independent Man has since been dressed in a new layer of gold leaf and has made himself comfortable inside the State House foyer. Those who have yet to see the refurbished statue up close can do so during the State House's normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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