The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French to celebrate the centenary of American independence. But at first the Americans were unwilling to accept her, and both fund-raising and diplomatic pressure were needed before the statue was finally installed at the entrance to New York’s harbour in 1886. It might be difficult to imagine what it was like when it had a dark, golden sheen. But a copper surface gives you a product that ages gracefully. At first it darkens, then in time the characteristic light green colour emerges.
