Figures at the Kornhausbrücke:
The Hamburg Monument Association has restored the sculptures "Columbus" and "Vasco da Gama" on the Kornhausbrücke in Hamburg's old town.
The two figures and their bases have been extensively cleaned in the last two weeks, old cracked joints have been repaired and earlier stone additions have been color-matched. The executors were the restorer Marion Eifinger and the specialist company Otto Petigk, both from Hamburg. The measure cost the association around €16,000, which came exclusively from contributions and donations from the members.
"In our anniversary year, we wanted to give the Hanseatic city a present," says Helmuth Barth, chairman of the Association of Friends of Monument Preservation. "The entrance to the Speicherstadt and HafenCity should be embellished in the long term with this restoration".
At the same time, the association encourages people to think about restoring the lost sculptures on the south side of the Kornhaus Bridge. The figures of James Cook and Fernando Magellan once stood there. "It would be possible that patrons could be found to complete the bridge saints," says Barth.
The association Friends of Monument Preservation e. V., which celebrates its 25th anniversary in December 2007, is committed to the preservation of cultural monuments in Hamburg, promotes restoration and offers visits, guided tours and lectures.