Canberra residents have been encouraged to watch specialist craftsmen restore traditional sandstone carvings at the Australian War Memorial.
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The sandstone carvings, which have deteriorated over many years, will be restored thanks to a $1 million grant from the federal government and a $500,000 investment from the memorial.
A temporary workshop has been installed at the rear of the memorial with visitors welcome to watch the specialists at work until mid-March.
The work will be conducted by the Sydney based Traditional Restoration Company, whose workers have promised to restore the historical integrity of stone figures and increase drainage.
The company's director, James Ginter said the group had previously worked on Kirribilli House, the Sydney Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building in Melbourne.
"The general public can watch our specialist craftsmen carve the stone figures live on site and appreciate the effort and skill applied by the sculptors and craftsmen in the recreation of these sculptures," he said.
"The restoration project for the Australian War Memorial is a highlight of our company's achievements and shall stand forever as a symbol of what our company stands for and aspires to."
Director of the Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson said there was a short window of opportunity for visitors to learn for the specialists.
"This traditionally hand-carved stone work accurately reproduces heritage sculpture," he said. "The workers demonstrating this ancient craft use tools and techniques which remain virtually unchanged since medieval times."
The first stage of restoration began earlier this month with further works to be undertaken later this year. The works will not precent visitors from accessing the roll of honour or from attending the last post ceremony.
Mr Ginter said he hoped the display would raise awareness of the traditional methods used to restore some of Australia's most historical buildings.
"If these skills are not embraced and given an opportunity to be practised and passed on to future generations, the benefit gained by the Australian War Memorial today will no longer be available to those generations to appreciate tomorrow," he said.
