[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/white-lady.jpg” caption=”The black mask on the White Lady statue is not part of the artist’s design. Photo by Christine MacLean.”]This week's question was submitted by Albert Willms, who wanted to know more about the statue located behind Wentworth House.

The statue, known as the White Lady, was designed by Canadian artist Elford Bradly Cox in 1961-62.

The marble statue was donated in 1962, by request of the student art committee that was active in bringing art exhibits to campus during the 1960s.

“Wentworth House hosted a lively art scene on the McMaster campus in the first part of the 1960s,” says Gerrie Loveys, collections and operations manager of the McMaster Museum of Art. “A special committee made up of students with the assistance of several faculty members and with University funding, bought art and arranged a regular program of current and often controversial exhibitions and related events such as art festivals.”

Originally, the statue was to be displayed on the circular patio in front of Wentworth House. Due to the controversial nature of the statue, it was decided to move the White Lady to the treed area behind Wentworth House, where it continues to sit today.

Currently, the statue has a black mask painted on its face, which is not part of the original artwork. Vandals have targeted the sculpture over the past decades.

The White Lady was restored in 2001 by Toronto conservator, Sandra Lougheed, after a submission was made to the McMaster University Futures Fund requesting restoration treatment for four works on campus.

“Ms. Lougheed repaired surface cracks, and removed surface dirt and mould, as well as acrylic paint that covered the face and upper torso in a Goth-like mask,” Loveys explains.

Unfortunately, several weeks after the treatment was completed, vandals targeted the White Lady again, painting the black mask that covers the statue's face today.

There are currently no plans to restore the White Lady back to her original splendor.