The iconic Brett Whiteley egg-in-a-nest sculpture at Newcastle Art Gallery is set for removal and restoration.
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Art gallery director Lauretta Morton said the face of the egg was discoloured from more than 25 years of "UV exposure and salt spray".
The sculpture, which is named Black Totem II, first came to Newcastle in 2013.
It was originally perched along a "sculpture walk" at Walsh Bay on Sydney Harbour.
Prolonged exposure to the harbour's elements has played havoc with the sculpture’s base and nest.
It's a bit worse for wear. We're told it is suffering from "peeling and bubbling". .
Newcastle City Council said the restoration works were "essential" to ensure the sculpture remains a "proud and prominent community asset".
The egg and nest was removed by crane on Monday and taken to a contractor’s workshop.
It'll be spruced up and repainted, before being reinstalled at the front of the gallery in about a month.
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