This week, Halifax Harbour will be graced with the presence of a new addition – albeit not the one most would expect. The Brooklyn Bridge, a structure of renown in New York City, is making a debut of a different sort: its Halifax Harbour rendition, an intriguingly distinct replica.
The model of the iconic bridge is an endeavour of local business owner and sculptor, Chris Hanson. Hanson’s replica is a precise miniature version of the bridge, constructed with meticulous attention to detail. His model spans just under two feet and is made of steel, aluminum and a variety of other metals.
Hanson’s craftsmanship stands out in the region, where miniature replicas of renowned constructions are far from commonplace. His project, however, began with an unassuming start.
“It was one of those spur-of-the-moment ideas,” Hanson said. “I was looking at a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge, and I just thought, I should make a scaled-down version of that.”
Initially, Hanson assumed the project would take him a few days. However, it soon became clear that the intricate task was far more complex than anticipated.
“It took far more time and effort than I had ever imagined,” he stated. “I had to make sure every component was exactly to scale, which meant a lot of research into the bridge’s structure and materials.”
Nevertheless, Hanson persevered and the result is a stunning replica, aptly placed in the Halifax Harbour. His miniature rendition of the Brooklyn Bridge is an awe-inspiring homage to an iconic structure, and a testament to the talent of a local craftsman.