March for those in the northern hemisphere brings the promise of longer and warmer days as Spring takes hold. March also involves the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick to honor the Patron Saint of Ireland. We know Saint Patrick very well through our work and we have learned quite a bit about the Saint’s history beyond the legends of leprechauns and shamrocks. Catholic churches are named after saints and martyrs and many churches today are named for this Patron Saint. We have had the honor to work some of these churches. A few of them.include: Saint Patrick Parish in Lawrence Massachusetts, St. Patrick's Parish in Lowell, Massachusetts, St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, and the Cathedral of St.Patrick in Norwich Connecticut. These projects included a variety of conservation and restoration techniques and finishes. From decorative painting, plaster restoration, mural conservation and investigations of historic material and more, we continue to use our expertise to restore and beautify these and other churches.across the nation through the Canning Liturgical Arts(CLA) branch of the John Canning & Co. To read more about some of the services involved in these and other projects, check out the below links.
Before restoration (left), During Design & Planning Process (center), After Restoration (right)
A historic paint analysis uncovered the original church decoration at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich Connecticut which we restored and combined with new commissions for 22 fine art murals and a series of simulated stained glass windows. A few of those commissioned fine art murals are pictured above.
Latest Articles & Announcements
3 Characteristics of Gothic Churches & Chapels
Gothic architecture is more than vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Discover the ideology behind it that influences its shapes and forms. In this latest blog we discuss the 3 characteristics of gothic churches and chapels.
Victorian Woodwork: Common Details, Species, and Finishes
The defining characteristic of the Victorian style is the intricately designed woodwork. We take a look at the common details, species, and finishes of Victorian woodwork n this blog.
You may want to check out this article From Modest Materials, A Grand Effects in the Connecticut Explored Spring 2022 Preserving Craftsmanship issue. This article is a photo essay on the work of John Canning & Co. that includes five of the company’s interior design restoration commissions including the Connecticut State Capitol and others. Craftsman techniques including stenciling, gilding and plaster restoration are highlighted.
The online version isn't available yet (I will let you know when it does), but if you don't get the magazine already and want to check it out, they offer a free introductory issue you can sign up for it here.
Congratsulations to APTI's newest Executive Director, Greg Galer. Greg was name a 2022 honorary member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is in good company with John Canning also being an honorary member of the AIA – the only decorative painter in North America to be so honored.
This honorary member award is conferred upon individuals who have made notable contributions to the advancement of the architecture profession but are not otherwise eligible to be members.
This month we celebrate the birthday of architect Louis Kahn. A highly influential designer and one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, Kahn's work often included simple forms and geometric shapes. Louis Kahn along with Anne Tyng designed the National Historic Landmark Trenton Bath House in New Jersey. The main entrance of the bath house was decorated with a mural Kahn himself designed that combines angular and circular forms which are similar to the wave imagery found on the mosaic floor of the Baths of Caracalla, part of an ancient Roman site. In March on 2010 we undertook the project of recreating the original Louis Kahn mural design which we executed directly on cinder block at the bath house.
March is a month full of celebrating women with International Women's Day, Women in Construction Week, and Women's History Month. Thank you to all the strong, determined, supportive and kind women past and present that have opened doors, knocked down barriers and paved the way for generations to come to continue to make a powerful impact on the world.
This a great time to give a shout out to two of the leaders of the Canning company:Jacqueline Canning Riccio and Dorothea Canning-Hennessey. Both daughters of John Canning, the founder of John Canning & Co., have been a vital part of the on-going success and growth of the company. Dorothea uses her magic in background running the business while Jacqueline who was trained by her father, works her magic with her talents in ornamental painting and decorating. Read more about the Canning Leadership.
Check out the Canning 45th Anniversary Retrospective...
All last year we continued to share and expand this page to celebrate our 45th Anniversary, with project highlights, fun facts, stories, photos and more. If you haven't had a chance yet, check it out!
We understand the importance in sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our newest Downloadable Resource below.
Canning is passionate about ecclesiastical art and decoration, as well as the historical role of sacred art as a way of handing on the faith and engaging the heart, mind and soul. Preserving the integrity and splendor of sacred buildings across America is our mission and beauty is our goal.
This Canning Liturgical Arts Guide will serve as a resource to provide examples of some of our work in decoration, restoration, conservation and creative expression for sacred spaces.
The Association for Preservation Technology (APT) is the premier cross-disciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structure and their settings.
APT 2022 Conference
November 7–12th
Detroit, MI
As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved.
The League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) is a non-profit organization with the main purpose of sustaining historic theatres across North America for the benefit of their communities and future generations.
LHAT National Conference
July 10-13th
Cleveland, OH
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