Anita Mui Statue Restored and Unveiled Amid New Revelations About Her Late Mother
AM730 · 5 SOURCESabout 15 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The bronze statue of late Hong Kong singer Anita Mui on the Avenue of Stars was officially unveiled on Tuesday following a two-week restoration that cost approximately HK$100,000. The restoration proved highly challenging due to severe corrosion and the harsh seaside environment, requiring about 10 different chemical solutions . The fan organization Fong Sam Wai (芳心薈) has taken up permanent responsibility for the statue's ongoing maintenance, with plans to conduct repairs every two years going forward . Meanwhile, former RTHK executives attending the ceremony revealed that Anita's mother, who recently passed away, had wished to express her love for her daughter but felt the channels to do so were blocked .
Key Points
- The approximately two-meter purple copper statue was originally sculpted by artist Cao Chong-en, with the base inscription "Hong Kong's Daughter" written by close friend and superstar Andy Lau
- The restoration, costing about HK$100,000, took place from September 3 to 21, with the statue area temporarily fenced off during the work
- The restorer Lam Wai-man described the work as extremely challenging, noting the copper was so corroded the original material was invisible, and it continued oxidizing during repairs
- Legislative Council member Leung Zhi-ying questioned why the government did not assist with the restoration for a statue representing "Hong Kong's Daughter"
- Former RTHK Assistant Director Cheung Man-sun and his wife Charcoal Chee revealed Anita's mother had an unfulfilled wish for people to understand she loved her daughter
Why It Matters
The restoration underscores the ongoing challenge of preserving Hong Kong's cultural monuments in coastal environments while raising questions about government responsibility for maintaining symbols of local heritage . The revelations about Anita Mui's family situation add a poignant layer to the ceremony, highlighting the complex personal legacies behind public memorials .
The restoration underscores the ongoing challenge of preserving Hong Kong's cultural monuments in coastal environments while raising questions about government responsibility for maintaining symbols of local heritage . The revelations about Anita Mui's family situation add a poignant layer to the ceremony, highlighting the complex personal legacies behind public memorials .