November is a time for reflection and giving thanks for all that has happened, and we have a lot to be thankful for here at John Canning & Co. We are grateful for all the hard work our Canning crew puts into our projects year after year. From working behind the scenes to onsite, we have the best team and are thankful for their ongoing support of the John Canning mission of Perfecting Preservation. Our skilled artisans and tradespeople bring knowledge from all facets of historic preservation, one of which is historic paint study. Canning has done many projects involving paint exposures and analysis, as it is a critical part of the preservation process. We pride ourselves as preservation problem solvers with the capability to solve even the most complex problems. The process to solve these complex problems often starts with conducting a paint investigation.
In our field of work, we often find that some of the most beautiful designs have been hidden under years of overpainting, only seen again once revealed through paint exposures. Paint exposures are archaeological digs through decorative history that use mechanical or chemical methods and materials to remove layers of overpaint to unveil the significant campaign. Sometimes, the process is simple, and other times it requires many tests and lots of elbow grease to unearth these hidden treasures. Every time, however, the work is absolutely worth it. The Canning team has uncovered some incredible designs during paint exposure projects; some have been partial, and others are almost entirely intact, allowing us to get the best picture of how the campaign once looked. These hidden patterns often were replicated and restored, returning the room they were in to its original splendor.
Our recent work at the Basilica of The Sacred Heart uncovered stunning decorative paint campaigns that were original to the church. These hidden designs were under layers of paint that were removed to reveal the original scheme. In some places, simply removing fixtures from the wall uncovered the original campaign. During our project at the Grant County Courthouse, our team was able to chip away the layers of finishes to expose areas of marbleizing that had been painted over. We uncovered many decorative paint designs throughout the courthouse and documented each pattern as we revealed them.
Paint exposures are just one part of the historic paint investigation process. A proper historic paint investigation should include archival research, on-site investigation, scientific analysis, and the compilation of a report with interpretation which impacts the understanding of the original methods of execution. Archival research is an essential first step to analysis before an on-site investigation occurs. The information gathered during archival research guides where samples should be taken and provides directions to where exposures should be performed within a space. Significant archival research was completed before an on-site investigation was done at the Culinary Institute of America’s Farquharson Hall. Historical images and accounts led us to know where our team should perform paint exposures, during which we discovered beautiful faux-mosaic designs. Once exposures are complete, any samples collected on-site are taken to the lab for microscopy analysis, which reveals the stratigraphy, chromochronology, and paint composition. All information collected during the process is compiled to create a comprehensive report. The report, which includes a full interpretation with recommendations, can aid in the future restoration of the site. To read more about the details of the paint investigation and analysis process, visit the resources linked below.
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| Common Historical Wood Finishes: When, Where, and Why They Were Used |
Wood finishes have been used for thousands of years as a means of beautifying and protecting a wooden craft. Through historical analysis of antique wood, we can understand the process of finishing used by past artisans. From ancient Chinese woodwork to modern-day carpentry, the process of coating wood has been cultivated to create the most beautifying and protective finish. This blog takes a look at the most common types of wood finish, including when, where, and why each was used.
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The Symbolism of Domes in Sacred Architecture |
Domes are the center of many famous historic buildings and are iconic to the great churches of ancient times. These architectural features were a mathematical feat when they were first invented, and they continue to stun and amaze visitors of our world’s most beautiful buildings to this day. Because of their circular shape and grandiose geometry, domes have become symbols of religious beliefs, most notably representing the heavens. Our most recent blog discusses the importance of the dome throughout history in some famous religious structures, and some of our own sacred projects.
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Canning attended the Association for Preservation Technology (APT) annual conference from November 7th-12th in Detroit, Michigan. We enjoyed the conference and got to meet so many friendly faces at our exhibit booth. Canning is a long-time APT member and conference participant. We were proud to continue our support for this great organization as a sponsor again this year, and we were excited to once again attend the conference in person. We would like to thank APT for hosting such a wonderful conference, and we cannot wait to attend again next year in Seattle!
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On November 15th, we attended the Preservation Pennsylvania awards ceremony in West Chester, Pennsylvania. We were fortunate to be a part of the team receiving the Local Government Leadership Award for the project at the Luzerne County Courthouse. Our project at the historic courthouse included the restoration of 125 murals throughout the rotunda proper and third-floor corridors, the restoration of deteriorated flat and ornamental plaster, marble cleaning and repair, and the reinstatement of the historic color palette. We congratulate A+E Group and Luzerne County for their joint success in this project and extend our thanks to our team for all of their hard work, and to Preservation Pennsylvania for the award recognizing the project.
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This month we are celebrating famed architect Stanford White’s birthday. Stanford White was born on November 9th, 1853 in New York City. White is well known for many architectural triumphs during his lifetime; however, he is arguably best known for his career at McKim, Mead, and White, an architecture firm lead by himself and his two partners, Charles Follen McKim, and William Rutherford Mead. McKim, Mead, and White designed Garrett Hall at the University of Virginia as a formal dining hall, though today it is used as academic space. Canning worked to restore the hall, restoring the vaulted main ceiling and installing additional structural supports into the masonry and wood structure. Canning also created a period appropriate decorative paint scheme, fabricated and installed new ornamental plaster, and restored and reinstalled damaged plaster that could be saved. We look forward to attending the McKim, Mead & White Awards, named for these famed architects, at the end of this month to accept our Artisanship award for our San Joselito's Chapel project.
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Interested in the Paint Exposure Process? Watch Our Historic Paint Analysis Video!
To go along with this month’s discussion of historic paint analyses and exposures, we are sharing a video of a recent paint exposure. Below is a snippet of the video you can check out on our website. This video gives a behind-the-scenes look at the exposure process and includes the incredible reveal of the original decorative campaign that had been hidden underneath layers of overpaint.
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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 Featured Downloadable Resource below.
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When preparing for a historic restoration or new design, it is important to understand the history of the materials and aesthetic of the building’s interior. Paint colors, wallpapers and decorative designs contribute immense detail to a space. With our Historic Paint Investigations & Analysis guide you will be able to identify the differences between a full paint investigation and a paint analysis, understand the value in undertaking a paint study, and identify key characteristics to look for when selecting a conservator or a consultant.
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Wishing Everyone a Blessed and Joyful Holiday. |
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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. |
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The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission. |
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION #PerfectingPreservation #jcanningcrew |
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