City Hall Building, Goldsboro, North Carolina

Atop the City Hall building in Goldsboro, North Carolina stand figures of Liberty and Justice. These two sculptures are outstanding examples of the sheet zinc statues that the W.H. Mullins Co. made around the turn of the last century.

Conservation Solutions, Inc. (CSI) performed a conditions assessment of the sculptures including documentation and examination of the exteriors and interior areas of the sculptures. Missing and damaged elements were identified and the original mounting system was inspected. The original configuration of the missing pieces was researched. Through microscopic examination of paint samples, CSI conservators were able to determine that the sculptures were originally gilded.

In 2007, CSI performed the conservation treatment of the sculptures based on the findings of the condition assessment and the treatment recommendations. The sculptures were rigged and removed from their perches atop the domes. They were cleaned and the paint and loose corrosion was removed by waterjetting. The structural supports were repaired and/or replaced, as necessary. Missing elements, such as the proper right arm and flag of Justice and the scale of Liberty, were modeled in clay and fabricated using original repousse methods. The zinc skin was extensively repaired where damaged. Once the cleaning and all of the necessary repairs were completed, the sculptures were coated with a high performance primer system and completely gilded with 23.75 K German gold. Finally, they were reinstalled in their original locations atop the roof of the restored Goldsboro City Hall.

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