Washington: A towering six-foot-tall wax statue of former US President Abraham Lincoln in Washington melted as soaring temperatures in the capital city reached a scorching 37 degrees Celsius over the weekend. The wax structure, situated at the historic site of Camp Barker, succumbed to the heat wave, resulting in significant disfigurement.
Media reports indicated that the wax structure, initially erected to commemorate the Civil War-era refugee camp that sheltered freed African Americans, began to melt starting with its head. The intense heat gradually affected the statue’s legs as well, prompting authorities to intervene promptly for repairs.
Abraham Lincoln’s structure was a candle and a wax structure with a plaque that said, “Please blow out your wick within 1-2 minutes.”
In pictures | Abraham Lincoln’s wax sculpture melting
The replica was scheduled to be placed at the site till Sept 2024
Commissioned by the non-profit organization CulturalDC, the wax statue was part of the Wax Monument Series and was slated to remain on display at the Camp Barker site until September 2024.
Created by US-based artist Sandy Williams, the sculpture aimed to honor Lincoln’s legacy within the historical context of emancipation and civil rights.
Organisation CulturalDC’s comments
In response to the incident, CulturalDC expressed their dismay and acknowledged the unforeseen challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions. “Whether it’s the state of the union, the upcoming election, or this record-level heat, we are all over it!” remarked the organization in a statement.
Camp Barker, once a vital refuge during a pivotal period in American history, now hosts an elementary school.
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