What is preservation? Preservation is the art and science of retaining and sustaining an object’s historic fabric. It is often said preservation is a link from the past to the present and with the restoration work we are doing on our projects, there will be a link from the present to the future.
In May 2005 National Historic Preservation started to be celebrated for the entire month. The historic preservation movement in America gained acceptance and momentum in the 1960’s with two significant incidents- The United States Congress passed the historic preservation legislation, and Columbia University established an academic program within its Graduate School of Architecture and Planning. In May of 1973 was the first time National Preservation was celebrated but only for a week.
Around that same time in Glasgow, Scotland, John Canning, a young journeyman, was preparing to emigrate with his wife and three daughters to Connecticut. The Canning’s family arrival in the early 70’s coincided with the beginning of the preservation interest in the Northeast. After speaking at one of Hartford’s early preservation conferences, it became clear to John that the tradesman was the missing link in the newly forming U.S. preservation movement. There were scholars to do the scientific research, and architects and engineers to make plans and design, but the input of the tradesman – applied knowledge of Old-World finishes, decorative painting techniques and materials, and the ability to interpret scholarly studies and original methods of execution – was missing. The architect, scholar, and tradesman were (and are) the ideal preservation team in order to maintain the utmost authenticity.
John started the Canning business over 45 years ago to help fill the missing component and provide restoration of historic buildings by applying his knowledge of Old-World finishes, traditional techniques, and original methods of execution. All these years later the Canning company continues to strive and reach the goal of Perfecting Preservation and has completed hundreds of projects. What are some of the favorite projects? There have been so many historically significant, interesting, complex, and favorite projects over the years that it was hard to just limited it to a few to highlight here for preservation month. It is difficult when all the projects are in their own way special because when Canning is hired for a project, we view ourselves as stewards of the building, albeit for a short period of time and take every step of the project very seriously.
|
|
|
There is something special in every project, from working on faux marbling, the 75-foot columns, which are among the largest Corinthian columns in the world, at the National Building Museum in DC (formerly the Pension Building); to working on the James Gamble Rogers Sterling Memorial Library building at Yale University in CT where he designed the interiors and finishes to be purposely aged and historic; to working on the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House in CA that required gilding and glazes to 500,000 linear feet of historic architectural elements; to the US Treasury Building's Salmon B. Chase Suite, Cash Room, and Northeast Dome, that included the historic restoration of decorative paint, trompe l'oeil and gold leaf in a high security environment; to the Old Senate Chamber, Maryland Statehouse, the site where George Washington resigned his commission, where we restored the 1700s plaster walls and ornament using the original methods and materials of the time – lime plaster applied to hand-split wood lath for the walls coated with distemper paint so as to remain porous for curing that can take as much as a year, and linseed oil paint on woodwork.
|
| |
(Left) National Building Museum (Right) Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University |
|
|
(Left) San Francisco War Memorial Opera House (Center) US Treasury Salmon B. Chase Suite (Right) Old Senate Chamber, Maryland Statehouse |
|
|
Of course, two of Canning’s earliest projects made the list, the Battell Chapel at Yale University where the process of archival research, hands-on investigation, scientific analysis, and interpretation led to the successful restoration of the Chapel’s original Victorian-era decorative painting scheme. The second project being the Connecticut State Capitol where Canning performed a comprehensive restoration of Aesthetic period decoration designed by Richard M. Upjohn and William McPherson in 1878. Since then Canning completed additional projects for the Connecticut State Capitol as well as the Connecticut Old State House.
|
|
|
(Left) Battell Chapel, Yale University (Right) Connecticut State Capitol |
|
|
A few recent projects also made the list, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in PA where Canning performed the historic decorative paint and fine art conservation. In the process of this project, Canning performed the largest paint exposure our firm has encountered, revealing all decorative paint and fine art designs of the original chapel. The scale of well-preserved original decoration is truly a unique find in the preservation industry. We have had the honor to work at the Michigan State Capitol again recently this time around working on the decorative painting restoration and conservation within the rotunda. And we have to mention the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in DC, where we performed the restoration of the Auditorium's finishes for the walls, columns, entablatures, and the ceiling. One of the unique aspects of this restoration project was that the massive stone columns and walls are made of an acoustic, pre-cast simulated stone called Sphinxstone, designed to mimic limestone's aesthetic appearance and acoustic properties using seashells so our team utilized a combination of innovative and classic restoration techniques to bring the stone back to its original appearance. As you see, the list can go on and on.
|
|
|
(Left) Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Center) Michigan State Capitol (Right) Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium |
|
|
Our knowledge as historic finishes and preservation specialists has had a tremendous impact when it comes to historic preservation in the nation. Perfecting Preservation is not only the tag line for the company but it is the mission that gets implemented in all projects we undertake. We hope during preservation month that everyone has a chance to appreciate a little of the preservation work that has been done in the buildings around your city, state or wherever your travels may take you.
|
|
|
Latest Articles & Announcements |
|
|
| A Primer on Gold Leaf Gilding Techniques |
There are two main gilding techniques: Architectural oil-based gilding and water gilding. The two treatments offer differing results, namely reflectivity. Prior to selecting a technique, the location, materials, and effect must first be considered. Here we take a look at the two treatments. |
|
|
| What is adaptive reuse and why is it important?
|
What happens to old buildings when they are no longer used for their intended purpose? One alternative to this is adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse in architecture is the practice of taking antique or underused buildings and putting them to new uses. This practice preserves the life of buildings, has less impact on the environment, and adds to the history of the location. |
|
|
|
Check out this article, GSA celebrates Preservation Month 2024 and the renewing an icon video that it includes. The video features the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., which has served as a setting for ceremonies and special events since the 1930s. In 2023, GSA completed restoration of the interior features of the auditorium, including the acoustic stone, gilding, and ornamental finishes. This video documents the remarkable restoration carried out by an expert project team. The Mellon Auditorium restoration work of John Canning & Co. involved a comprehensive restoration of the building's finishes, including architectural gilding, which played a significant role in enhancing the grandeur of the interior as well as the Sphinxstone walls and columns which received repair, cleaning, and finishes restoration. The auditorium, designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr. and built in 1934, is a prime example of Classical Revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
|
|
|
|
Interested in learning more about preservation month? Join the National Register of Historic Places in celebrating Preservation Month and check out ways to celebrate and some of the featured historic properties for preservation month on the National Park Service site. Or check out some of the great information on the National Trust for Historic Preservation site in their Preservation Month 2024 highlight.
|
|
|
|
The New York Landmarks Conservancy's Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards Committee recently presented John Canning & Co. with an award certificate in recognition for our consulting role in the restoration of the New York Life Insurance Building. The Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards are the New York Landmarks Conservancy's highest honors for outstanding preservation. This skyscraper building was designed by Cass Gilbert not only to be the home office for the insurance company but an icon for the City. The building is listed as a National Historic Landmark and was also designated a city landmark by New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
|
|
|
|
This month we celebrate the birthday of Robert A. M Stern, founder of the architecture firm, Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA). We have had the pleasure to work with RAMSA on the Schwarzman Center at Yale University, in New Haven, CT. This project was awarded the 2023 Traditional Building's Palladio Award for Restoration and Renovation, the 2022 McKim, Mead, & White Award for Historic Preservation as well as the 2022 Bulfinch Award for Historic Preservation. John Canning & Co. provided architectural conservation treatment services at Yale’s Schwarzman Center. Our team restored the ornamental plaster, masonry, metal, and wood, and cleaned and repaired any areas of damage or deterioration.
|
|
|
Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok! |
Heads Up! Check out some of the Canning team in action. |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Restoring historic buildings and structures is a principal aspect of preserving our cultural heritage. One crucial component of historic preservation is the restoration of painted surfaces. When it comes to historic paint restoration, hiring a professional contractor with the expertise and experience necessary to undertake this specialized work is essential. This guide will help you know what to look for and expect from a contractor and provide a understanding of the process of historic paint restoration.
|
|
|
If you think others would be interested in our content, please forward!
SUBSCRIBE |
|
|
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.
APTI 2024
November 12-16, Montreal, Quebec |
|
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 7-10, Milwaukee, WI |
|
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. |
|
|
JOIN THE CONVERSATION #PerfectingPreservation #jcanningcrew |
|
|
|