Bearister could hardly do his job at Robson Hall with broken scales of justice. As one of the most recognizable symbols of law, the scales of justice represent the fair, impartial weighing of evidence.
As the donor of Bearister, Fillmore Riley LLP recently commissioned the original artist, Hubert Théroux, to restore Bearister to his former grandeur. Hubert fixed Bearister’s scales, touched up the paint, and added a Fillmore Riley satchel.
The history of Bearister goes back to CancerCare Manitoba’s Bears on Broadway project in 2005. To commemorate CancerCare Manitoba’s 75th anniversary, the Foundation sold 62 seven-foot concrete bears in advance of the sculpture display on Broadway. Sponsors purchased bears for around $12,000 and artists were commissioned to decorate each bear.
Fillmore Riley was the only law firm to purchase a bear. The firm wanted a law-themed bear with robes, so CancerCare Manitoba put the firm directly in touch with Hubert to view and approve a final sketch of “Bearister.”
