The statue has stood at Stigbergstorget in Gothenburg for almost 100 years, 62 meters above sea level. Created by Ivar Johnsson and erected on top of the Sailor's Tower next to the Maritime Museum in 1934, it serves as a memorial for fallen sailors, with 690 names engraved on the base. Initially, many perceived the memorial as an insult because sailors were promised unemployment insurance and an eight-hour workday during World War I but instead received this statue.
The cleaning was carried out because the statue had become dirty, as observed during frequent visits. The process was somewhat difficult due to the statue's high and relatively inaccessible location, but overall the project went well. It is neither unusual nor strange that so much time has passed since the last wash, as statues are made of durable material that withstands weather and wind well and does not require much care.
Over the years, the statue had developed a light green patinated surface, which disappeared during the wash, leaving a darker color temporarily. The patina will return relatively quickly due to weather, wind, and sunlight. It will be a while before the Sailor's Wife gets her next shower, likely earlier than 92 years but still some time, and the statue looks good with its green appearance.