As we approach Audubon Day, it seems appropriate to highlight the recent restoration of our beautiful John James Audubon bust, purchased in memory of Mrs. Emeline Roth Staples. A graduate of LSU, Mrs. Staples worked at the LSU libraries from 1959–1968. Shortly after her death in 1968, her friends and colleagues at the LSU Library Staff Association donated the three-foot bronze over plaster statue in her honor.

The original bust is attributed to Adolf Sauerbrey. In April 2013, the bust was restored by Susie Seborg, a local art conservator. The restoration was made possible through a generous donation from Mrs. Staples’ children, Emeline Susan Staples Ferris, Myra Mozelle Staples Forrest, Christine Roth Staples Jarreau, Jean Charlotte Staples Mangham, and Donald Womack Staples.

This year Audubon Day is Saturday, November 16. Reservations are required; please call 225-578-6544 during business hours for more information.

Photograph of Mrs. Emeline Roth Staples, courtesy of Staples Family.

-    Louise Cheetham, Graduate Assistant, Exhibitions