Grand unveiling of John A. Macdonald bust

Peter Hill, dressed as Sir John A. Macdonald, and sculptor Ruth Abernethy with the sketch of the proposed bronze sculpture

Artists’ rendition of the sculpture in place.

Ruth Abernethy, one of Canada’s foremost bronze portrait artists, will unveil a bronze bust of John A. Macdonald – the first stage of a commission to create a larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Canada’s first prime minister for the bicentennial of his birth in 2015.

At Picton’s Regent Theatre Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m. Abernethy will deliver a presentation entitled “Face 2 Face with John A” followed by the climactic unveiling of the bust.

Abernethy’s “Holding Court” will be the tenth known public sculpture of Macdonald across Canada and will represents him “coming of age” in Picton at the beginning a long and distinguished career.  The sculpture is to be located  in front of the Armoury as part of plans to help revitalize historic downtown Picton.

Abernethy’s design depicts a 19-year-old Macdonald presenting his first court case in the Picton Courthouse in 1834. He won that case and four months later became an attorney while still working in a law office in Picton. Macdonald called the Quinte region and Prince Edward County his home for about 11 years.

Showtime: 2 p.m. May 26th.  Reception to follow. Reserve seats by calling the Regent Theatre box office at 613-476-8416, extension 28 or buy online at www.theregenttheatre.org Tickets $15.  Students and seniors $10.