With an artistB次元官网网址檚 keen eye, Armando Barbon steps closer to his masterpiece and brushes away dust particles which only he can see.

ItB次元官网网址檚 this attention to detail that allowed him to capture the essence of one of early VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 most influential men in sculpture form: surgeon and politician Dr. John S. Helmcken.

BarbonB次元官网网址檚 life-sized bronze statue of the busy family doctor, with medical bag in one hand and a stethoscope around his neck, is so life-like itB次元官网网址檚 as if Helmcken just stepped off the front porch of his former home in VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Thunderbird Park to make a house call.

B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 just heading off to see a patient,B次元官网网址� says Barbon, who crafted, donated and unveiled the statue at the Royal B.C. Museum Thursday. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 actually in mid-stride.B次元官网网址�

The garden party event in the square between Helmcken House and St. AnnB次元官网网址檚 Schoolhouse coincided with the grand re-opening of the two historic treasures.

For the past 10 months, the historical treasures were closed for $350,000 in renovation work paid for by more than 260 donors.

The project included the installation of a unique, high-tech fire-suppression system B次元官网网址� which wonB次元官网网址檛 be visible to visitors but will ensure the facilities are preserved for generations to come.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e preparing it to keep it for the next 100 years,B次元官网网址� says Lorne Hammond, curator of history for the Royal B.C. Museum, which operates the two circa-1850s buildings.

B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 not a sexy thing to raise money for,B次元官网网址� he adds. B次元官网网址淏ut it will keep this house safe for the next century. ItB次元官网网址檚 terribly important.B次元官网网址�

Along with newly added detailing and artifacts, exhibits in two of B.C.B次元官网网址檚 oldest buildings now feature interpretation panels to help connect visitors with the past B次元官网网址� just as Barbon was able to connect with Helmcken and his legacy. In 1867 he helped negotiate B.C.B次元官网网址檚 entry into Canada.

B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 my friend,B次元官网网址� Barbon says. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been thinking of him for a long time.B次元官网网址�

Helmcken House and St. AnnB次元官网网址檚 Schoolhouse are open to the public 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Sept. 6. Admission is by donation, or included with museum admission.

emccracken@vicnews.com