1) Compile Building Records & History
When beginning a historic restoration project, it is helpful to create a building profile in order to understand the full history and purpose of the construction from the cornerstone ceremony to the present day. The following list is a helpful start in developing a building profile:
○ Date of construction
○ Original owner
○ Architectural style
○ Original architect(s), decorator(s)
○ Commissioned artist(s) if applicable
○ Original usage
○ Changes in ownership and/or usage
○ Timeline of building modifications, damages, and/or repairs: architectural decorative, and/or fine art related
○ Significance of the building in the community
2) Research Historic Photographs & Archival Documents
As a part of compiling history of the structure, historic photographs and documents are helpful primary records when confirming onsite findings and observations. Even when the building appears to have limited historical records, it is almost always possible to find a few informative details in old newspapers or historic postcards. In working in churches, we have even had success asking parishioners to search through old family photos for wedding pictures that might provide insight on the historic decoration. Below is a list of places one might find archival information or photographs:
○ Building financial records
○ Personal records
○ Local libraries
○ Internet archives
○ Historical Society archives
○ Local newspaper/magazine archives
○ Tax records
3) Conduct Historic Building Condition Assessments
Condition assessments are performed to determine the material composition and stability of the construction. In hiring a firm to perform these studies, it is important to consider their ability to assess the archival history alongside the material evidence and offer comprehensive recommendations for renewal. A combined understanding of the history and material make-up of the decorative finishes with a practical knowledge of the physical restoration process is crucial to developing a successful project program.
○ Plaster Conditions Survey
Prior to carrying out any onsite restoration or conservation, it is paramount to ensure the stability of the plaster surfaces. Failing plaster is at risk of falling and is therefore a safety concern. Age, water damage, and poor ventilation are the most common causes of failing plaster. Evidence of failing plaster may be observed with cracking or even fallen plaster. However, there are many cases of interiors where the tensile strength of the plaster has weakened over time but there are no apparent visual issues. The plaster survey involves inspecting the relationship between the plaster and the lath. Depending on the size of the interior and the extent of the damages, such an inspection requires 1-3 days with some work in the laboratory to study samples of the plaster. When the survey is complete, a map is provided showing the damaged areas alongside a plan for stabilization and repair.
○ Historic Paint Analysis
Over the course of the building’s history, the interior may be painted with different decorative schemes. The cause for new design may have been related to interior damages, change in decorative style, or new ownership/usage. The paint analysis is a process which removes the layers of paint to expose the previous decorative schemes. We have worked in some buildings where there are as many as six (more/less?) different campaigns in a single interior. The most significant decorative scheme may be connected to the history of the building, the decorator who installed the design, or simply the most beautiful. Samples from the decoration are analyzed under a microscope to determine the historic colors and tracings of the stencils are made for replication. An experienced decorator will notice ques in the material make-up of the paint and the style of the decoration to help complete the history of the interior.
○ Analysis of Fine Art
Assessments of fine art require a combined research of the artist, subject matter, and the material make-up. The onsite study determines whether or not previous repairs have been made, the extent of overpainting during any prior work, and testing to develop the correct chemical formula for mural conservation. Over time due to change in styles or damages, artwork may be modified/repaired. Oftentimes these repairs are heavier handed than the work of the original artist. Further incompatible varnishes may darken or yellow the coloration of the artwork. Conservation is a careful process of conserving the work of the original artist. By removing the overpainting and varnishes, the original work is revealed and preserved. Each conservation process is tailored to the specific make-up of the artwork; thus this assessment is crucial to understanding the complexity of the preservation process as well as preparing a plan of work.
○ Additional Conservation Tests
Conservation testing may also be performed on historic wood, stone, and/or metal surfaces to determine the correct cleaning process for restoration. Over the history of an interior, damages and well-intentioned repairs may alter the original intent of the interior finishes. Comparing the onsite observations to textual and photo-graphical evidence, we are able to make conclusions and offer suggestions in order to return the historic finishes to their original coloration and texture.
4) Summarize Findings & Determine Course of Action
Once the onsite and archival research has been completed, a cohesive report detailing the modifications of the building over time may be prepared for review. This exercise not only functions as an excellent historical briefing on the building but also guides the restoration work to determine which decorative scheme is most significant as well as offer recommendations for restoration/conservation. Further, the research and analyses are crucial in preparing project budgets and timelines.
