La Laguna Begins Second Phase of Sculpture Restoration

La Laguna City Council's Cultural Heritage Department has announced the start of the second phase of its project to restore sculptures, busts, and monuments in public areas. This new stage, costing 22,330 euros, will focus on four specific pieces. These were chosen because of their condition, historical importance, and requests from the public. Work is expected to begin in the next few months.

One of the pieces to be restored is the monument to Los Sabandeños, created by Fernando García Ramos in 1986. Located on the Punta del Hidalgo promenade, it will be cleaned and have cracks repaired for 5,938.50 euros. The biggest job, costing 12,412 euros, is for the Monument to the Peasant. This piece, made by Raúl Rodríguez in 2010 and found at the roundabout between Las Canteras and Las Mercedes, is in poor condition. Its steel sheets are rusted and falling off, likely due to humidity and the material not being suitable for its outdoor spot.

Also, the Monument to the Miraculous Virgin, a white marble sculpture from 1929 in San Cristóbal square, will be cleaned for 3,263.20 euros after many requests from local residents. Lastly, the Monolith in memory of AIDS Victims in the Canary Islands, a Corten steel plaque by Taller Bronzo (2008) in Javier Fernández Quesada Park, will be cleaned for 716.90 euros. These restoration projects will take place in the historic center, Las Mercedes, and Punta del Hidalgo.

This new phase is part of the city council's long-term plan to protect its sculptures and prevent them from getting damaged beyond repair. Adolfo Cordobés, the Councillor for Cultural Heritage, stressed the need for careful, expert work, focusing on the most fragile pieces. The goal is to create a consistent, well-documented, and clear maintenance system. Last year, the first phase of the program restored six sculptures and busts that were in worse condition, some with graffiti or severe rust.

The entire restoration program relies on the "Inventory of Street Sculptures," created by Cultania and released in 2024. This inventory helped locate 94 works and record details about their condition, materials, artists, and age. The study found that while most sculptures are in good shape, common problems include rust, graffiti, dirt, and missing parts. Cordobés highlighted the inventory as crucial for careful planning and deciding which restorations are most urgent.

Besides the actual repairs, the department is also developing a plan to prevent future damage, which should reduce the need for expensive restorations later on. They are also creating a public awareness program. This will involve publishing a book-catalog, making information available both online and offline, and organizing guided tours and educational events. The aim is to help these artworks become a more recognized part of the community's history and everyday life.