Calcium based plasters – lime and gypsum – have historically provided architectural design for grand burial and communal structures in Egypt and Rome. Used for both interior and exterior architecture, plaster provides a blank slate for creative plasterers to ornament different finishes and molds. Our newest resource guide “Historic Plaster: Types and Techniques” will explain the compositions, applications, and techniques of various plasters used throughout history and modern-day architecture. The most common architectural plasters are lime and gypsum plaster. Lime plaster is composed of quicklime, aggregate, water, and horse hair. The process of making quicklime involves heating lime powder produced from ground limestone, then mixing the powder with water, sand, and long animal hair. These combined aggregates will create a hardened and stabilized plaster. Historically, plaster has always been made with local materials – water, sand, animal hair, limestone, or even seashells (which was the case for our Hulihe'e Palace project) – and able to withstand long exposures to water and extreme weather. Still used today, traditional lime plaster is whiter, stronger, and more durable than gypsum plaster. Gypsum plaster, also known as Plaster of Paris, is a light-colored, water-based mineral. A significant difference between lime and gypsum plaster is the curing method. Gypsum will set chemically, drying quicker than lime because of its calcium sulfate dihydrate chemical compound makeup. Alternatively, lime plaster takes longer – months to a year - to cure, shrinking slightly, opposed to setting in place like gypsum.
Included in our vast portfolio, John Canning & Company performed significant work within the Maryland State House – Old Senate Chamber where the scope of work involved the restoration of 1700s plaster walls and ornament using traditional methods and materials of the time – lime plaster applied to hand-split wood lath. Our firm professionally applied, fabricated, and installed yellow pine wood lath, three-coat plaster system, and both flat and ornamental finished plaster elements within The Maryland State House – Old Senate Chamber, a historic chamber where President George Washington resigned his commission after The Revolutionary War.
Depending on the specifications and scope of the work, creative architects and experienced plasterers will vary the finishing technique to create interest and intrigue within various areas of a finished space, ranging in depth and complexity. Plaster is an intrinsic part of both historic and modern architecture, requiring artisans to fully understand the importance of plaster compositions, applications, and techniques; so, when entering a space of architectural significance, the scope of work can be assessed and restored to the best of conditions, continuing its intended purpose.
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Architectural decorative painting has evolved over thousands of years, seeing many paint compositions and application methods. Discover the SIX periods of historic paint evolution and how each period contributed to modern day artistry. |
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FIVE TIPS for Caring for Architectural Marble |
Marble has stood the test of time as a primary architectural building material – versatile, durable, and aesthetically appealing. Dive into the details of marble maintenance in this blog as it covers FIVE important steps: clean the stone, create an inspection list, be knowledgeable of potential deterioration issues and areas, create an inspection schedule, reach out for professional help will keep your marble in pristine condition.
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This month, we are proud to spotlight Director of Art, Piotr who is a well-seasoned and highly skilled artisan in our studio – designing and producing renderings, commissioned artwork, and murals to name a few. Joining the company in 2008 – he has dedicated 15 years thus far in the historical decorative paint restoration, conservation, and preservation space.
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Celebrating with other award winners at end of October, John Canning & Co. leaders D. Riccio and J. Canning-Riccio accepted the 2023 Bulfinch Award for our firm’s work on St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena Parish for the Interior Finishes Project. The Bulfinch Award – named after Charles Bulfinch, America’s first native-born architect - recognizes the best work of firms and individuals who contribute to creating classical and traditional architecture in New England. Our firm has now received a total of 12 awards from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) - 8 of these awards being the Charles Bulfinch Award. (Photos by E. Kempisty & Robert Benson Photography)
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Happy Birthday to American Architect Cass Gilbert, who served as president of the American Institute of Architects in 1908–09. He was a conservative who believed architecture should reflect historic traditions and the established social order. Some of his original designs that John Canning & Co. has had the pleasure to restore, preserve, and conserve are State Capitols Minnesota interior decorative finishes and West Virginia dome gilding.
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Discover our detailed decorative plaster process as our artisan applies laser focus when finalizing this tiny cherub that will then be affixed to a large install element. Ornamental plaster can be replicated in two ways – with and without the original ornament. When existing ornament is available, the process of replicating the ornament becomes much simpler as the mold is made from the original ornament. Without the original ornament, our professional artisans often are required to hand sculpt these elements and when adding new elements to a space, designing new plaster elements that fit within the intended style of the space maybe required.
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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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Used for both interior and exterior architecture, plaster provides a blank slate for creative plasterers to ornament different finishes and molds. Our newest resource guide “Historic Plaster: Types and Techniques” will explain the compositions, applications, and techniques of various plasters used throughout history and modern-day architecture.
Plaster is a versatile tool used throughout all types of architecture. Whether it be flat, acoustic, or ornamental, the ingredients and methods of the plaster application process must be completed by experienced and knowledgeable hands. Through preservation, we can continue to learn and appreciate the rich history and value of the art of plastering, and apply our skills to the beautification of future architecture. |
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Happy Thanksgiving from John Canning & Company!
Our firm has been blessed with skilled artisans, dedicated project management personnel, and industry leaders all working toward the same goal of perfecting preservation. Through the restoration, preservation, and conservation of historical sites we continue the generational narrative that shapes our world today. Please enjoy this time of year with your loved ones; reflecting on all things that bring us peace, love, and happiness. |
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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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