Join us Saturday, May 30th for a day of presentations on the art, conservation, transport, installation, and the horse that was the inspiration for the newest sculpture at the National Sporting Library and Museum (NSLM).

The NSLM will host the symposium and reception to celebrate the recent gift of the magnificent bronze sculpture Sea Hero. Through the generous bequest of Paul Mellon, the large-scale bronze of the champion thoroughbred Sea Hero is now an important part of the NSLM art collection.

The 1995 bronze is by British sculptor Tessa Pullan (b. 1953), a student of equestrian artist John Skeaping (1901-1980). The sculpture, which stands over 7 feet high and weighs almost 2 tons, was recently installed in the boxwood garden of the NSLM campus.

Sea Hero is famous for winning the Kentucky Derby in 1993, the first Derby win for owner Paul Mellon, trainer Mack Miller, and jockey Jerry Bailey. Sea Hero is currently the oldest living Derby winner.

Symposium speakers will include:

-Fine art conservator Andrew Baxter shares highlights from his long career of caring for and restoring sculpture in the Mellon collections and the museum world. With before and after photos, he discusses the fascinating techniques of conservation and restoration.

-Sculpture expert and artist Ben Gage illustrates how large-scale artworks are transported and installed. Gage has worked with massive sculptures at major museums throughout the country and shares behind-the-scenes stories and images of some of his favorite projects, including the installation of Sea Hero at the NSLM.

-Author and racing historian Edward Bowen discusses Paul Mellon as a horse breeder and owner. Bowen's expertise as a renowned horseracing historian will give depth to the history of the Mellon and Rokeby Stable racing legacy.

The event will take place at the NSLM campus in historic Middleburg Virginia on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is $130, or $75 for NSLM Members. Registration closes on May 15, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Educational Programs Manager Erin Livengood at 540-687-6542 x25 or elivengood@nsl.org. Online Registration is now open at www.nslmprograms.org.