San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Herbst Theatre |
|
|
As summer officially starts some of our thoughts at Canning tend to shift towards getting ready for the League of Historic American Theatres ( LHAT ) National Conference in July. This conference is a important gathering designed for historic theatre professionals in the nation. John Canning & Co. has continued to be a sponsor and exhibitor for LHAT, sharing our knowledge and expertise to all those that might be planning or considering a restoration of their historic theatre. One of the first key steps in any restoration including theatres, is building a historic restoration team.
The process in developing a theater restoration team requires a combination of technical skill and knowledge with passion. It is important that the owner or project supervisor has confidence in the success of the project and a determined attitude to see it completed with high quality. This confidence in the project is sourced individually but bolstered by the capability and efficiency of the restoration team. The different members of the restoration team must have the combined experience to address the needs of the building, answer questions, and assist in fundraising as necessary. Not unlike all construction related projects, theaters are not exempt from issues relating to money and delays. Oftentimes will-power and the right team are just enough to press on through unexpected construction related challenges.
During the beginning stages of the project, a small team to address fundraising and project planning will be necessary. This team may consist of a theater restoration/fundraising consultant with an architect/designer (and their sub-consultants) and the general contractor (and their specialty sub-contractors). Lead personnel from these divisions are together capable of creating an outline for the project. As the magnitude of the project increases, this team will remain at the heart of the work. It is important to note that every project is different; not all will require the same core personnel.
In regards to consultants, it is vital that these individuals are both experts in their understanding of historic theaters as well as capable in applying a practical approach to the restoration project. It is often helpful if there is some overlap between the consulting expertise and the practical work. This may include lighting and preservation specialists. During the beginning stages of a project, a firm like John Canning & Co., is capable of acting as the consultant and/or the general contractor. This ability to both analyze and apply information proves efficient in guiding the work to completion.
In selecting your team, all parties must be capable of addressing and communicating the restoration and conservation requirements of the interior. They should be well versed in matters related to restoration and conservation in order to successfully explain findings to the owner, project supervisor, and potential donors. It is helpful if lead personnel are willing and able to offer articulate presentations of findings and goals in order to encourage interest from invested parties, potential donors, and in general, to keep the necessary parties abreast of the progress.
General contractor lead personnel should possess leadership qualities to conduct the restoration and conservation teams in an efficient and orderly manner; ensuring onsite organization keeps the project running smoothly from day to day. Together with the owner/project supervisor, consultant(s), and/or architect, the general contractor leads the crews according to the outlined scope of work in a detailed manner ensuring materials are available and problems avoided keeping the project on track. It is essential that the general contractor is capable of analyzing investigative studies and research, experienced in the function of a comprehensive restoration project, and the unique trades employed. It is also important that this firm has strong communication skills to answer any questions and share findings through reports and presentations.
Every theater restoration and conservation project is unique in its current use, history, and finishes. The right restoration team is able to access all these factors and meet the building’s needs through experience and care. You want a team that will care for the future of the interior in the same profound way that both the community who built it and those currently frequent it care. Craftsmanship, communication, and passion for preservation are the necessary components for your theater restoration team.
|
|
|
Latest Articles & Announcements |
|
|
| 9 Successful Renovations of Sacred Spaces: Before and After Comparisons |
Renovations and restorations of sacred properties are a process of collaboration between the parish, the ecclesiastical decorator, and the building itself. Take a look at some examples that feature different architectural styles as well as religious denominations to communicate the important role of decoration in the expression of faith for sacred projects. Each required a tailored approach in order to meet the specific needs of the interior.
|
|
|
| The Importance of Patronage / Patronage in the Arts |
Without patrons of the arts, there would be no Sistine Chapel nor Battell. Perhaps it is this collaborative relationship, dare say dependency, between the creative and the patron that makes the art world such a unique industry. Financial support in the arts is more than funding, it is encouragement and belief in the cause of beauty and the idea at hand. Here we take a look at the importance of patronage in the Arts.
|
|
|
|
We have enjoyed performing many projects over the years at Michigan State Capitol. Did you know the Michigan State Capitol offers a monthly program series Rise & Progress? This month the topic was Art Adorns the Paths of Life.
When the Capitol opened it was a blank canvas waiting to be decorated. Every plaster wall and ceiling, and even the interior dome, was a plain white. Between 1885 & 1890, the William Wright Co. of Detroit, led by Christian Weidemann, transformed the building's bare surfaces into 9 acres of art! This session delved into the Wright Company's work at the Capitol. You may have missed the live presentation, but they have it available on their YouTube channel, so feel free to check it out here. |
|
|
|
As mentioned above The League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) is coming up. 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 is a great organization offering programs and services designed specifically for historic theatres. Theatre operators from across the country use this as a go-to resource using the links that LHAT provides to other organizations, preservation agencies, insurance programs and more to help guide them and answer questions they may have. The LHAT National Conference is being held in person July 7-10th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's a great event offering professional development sessions, theatre tours, networking opportunities and a Service Providers Expo. As a proud member of LHAT, we are once again a sponsor for the conference and exhibiting in the Expo again. If you are going, make sure you stop by to see us at the Expo. David Riccio will also be part of one of the panel presentations discussing historic plaster that will be taking place the morning of July 8th.
|
|
|
|
Earlier this month the Belmont Chapel Foundation hosted the Belmont Stakes, simulcast from the Belmont Chapel grounds at Island Cemetery. The Belmont Stakes day (3rd annual fundraising event), which Canning was a sponsor for, was an outdoor gathering which provided a chance for people to learn more about this historic treasure and experience first-hand the work of local trades and crafts people in restoring it.
During the event, a presentation by David Riccio was given covering the historic decoration and color palette of Belmont Chapel. It was highlighted that the chapel’s replicated patterns were adopted from the side chapels at Notre Dame in Paris, originally designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Famed American architect Richard Morris Hunt was notably inspired by Viollet-le-Duc's designs, influencing his architectural contributions.
|
|
|
Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok! |
Mural conservation for this project consists of varnish removal, conservation cleaning, inpainting at areas of loss and varnishing with a clear, protective coating. |
|
|
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. Every successful restoration project requires that all the key players are experienced and knowledgeable for the components of the project they are responsible for. This Hiring a Restoration Contractor Checklist will help you evaluate and compare qualifications and certifications, understand what key areas should be considered when selecting a contractor as well as obtain a clear understanding of the experience and skills each contractor holds.
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|