This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Work crews Monday lifted into place the first of four enormous lion sculptures that will guard the doors of the newly renovated Utah Capitol.
The lion sculptures have long been an icon associated with the Capitol building, but had fallen victim to time and the elements.
The original lions, created in 1915 by sculptor Gavin Jack, had been repaired in 1977 by Ralphael Pescia, but had deteriorated badly enough that they could not be refurbished and new statues were commissioned.
The new lions were carved into Italian carrera marble by Nick Fairplay. The original lions were carved in concrete.
The first two lions, which will be in place today, are named Fortitude and Integrity. The other two lions, named Honor and Patience, are expected to arrive in the fall. - Robert Gehrke
