Battell Chapel, Yale University
The Canning process of archival research, hands-on investigation, scientific analysis, and interpretation led to the successful restoration of Battell Chapel’s original Victorian-era decorative painting scheme
BUILDING FACTS
Location: New Haven, CT
Built: 1876
Original Architect: Russell Sturgis, Jr. and interior decoration by, George Fletcher Babbs from Sturgis's office.
Style: Victorian Gothic
SCOPE
One of the first restoration projects undertaken by our studio, Battell Chapel looks as fresh today as it did when the restoration was completed over thirty years ago. Through careful investigation and multiple finish exposures, all of the intricate stencil patterns were identified and faithfully reinstated with historic colors. Investigation included paint microscopy, exposures, color matching, and material compatibility analysis.
The Battell Chapel restoration was one of the earliest historic preservation projects in Connecticut and our first comprehensive church restoration in the US. We were able to research, expose, replicate, color-match, and reinstate the complex original Victorian-era design scheme.