Stratford Hall Plantation Restoration, Group Field Lab -June 2009

Spring House Restoration~

~Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmorland County, VA, United States, was the home of four generations of the Lee Family of Virginia, including two signers of the Declaration of Independence and was the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, Confederate General-in-chief during the American Civil War.

Spring House Shake Roof to be Removed & Repaired:

Quite a Motley Crew!

Shingles Removed, Roof Repaired, New Shingles Being Applied:

Cutting To Size:

Third Row Going Up:

Nearing Cap:

New Roof Completed:

Historic Research & National Register Nominations

Historic Research & National Register Nomination~
~Completed for 2229 Chapline Street, Wheeling WV.

• Completion of Historic National Register Forms needed for nomination.
  
• Knowledge of the extensive criteria that would determine if a structure may be eligible for nomination.
• Ability to thoroughly research a historic structure including; deed and title searches, tax record search, topo and sanborn map reading, human interest documentation, and public history.
  
• Knowledge of Section 106 and other beneficial tax laws pertaining to buildings on the National Register.

Structure to be Nominated:

Historic Map Research:

Historic National Road Project~
~Contracted effort with the Morristown Ohio Historic Preservation Association to uncover a buried portion of the Historic National Road to be made a part of the future Lynn Hunkler Memorial Park.

• Request for Proposal received for work completion in conjunction with government grant monies.
  
• Initial site evaluation and research, including labor & material estimates needed for job completion.
  
• Coordination and scheduling of students to complete physical uncovering by hand.
  
• Plan for future use involving tourism, local school interaction, and the teaching of historic roadbed construction to future generations.

Initial Condition:

1st Phase Removed:

2nd Phase Removed:

Interiors Study and Cataloging~
~Thorough catalog of all interior features for the Historic Gay 90's Museum in Barnesville, OH.

• Written, pictorial, and video cataloging of interior elements for both research and historic posterity.
  
• Areas cataloged: Fireplaces & mantles, flooring, wall finishes, hardware, woodwork, & furnishings.
• Resulting media catalog will be used to create new informational and tourism documents for the museum.

Building Pathology & Historic Structure Reports

Building Pathology~

• Competent understanding of the material deterioration processes of historic structures including biological, chemical and environmental problems.
• Ability to analyze building conditions and make appropriate recommendations for both the conservation and maintenance of various building materials and systems.
  

Historic Structure Report~
~Completed for 114 14th Street, Wheeling WV

• Consultation with homeowner about current building state and usage.
  
• Complete analysis of exterior and interior conditions.
• Thorough explanation of structure issues complete with multiple solutions for both repair & maintenance
• Analysis included severe moisture infiltration issues, masonry deterioration, & plaster cracking.
  

Conservation Chemistry

Paint Chip Analysis~
Microscopic color analysis in order to determine original paint color used in historic finishes.

Lead Based Paint Testing~
Using techniques to uncover the use of toxic lead-based paint and determining the best way to encapsulate or remove it.

Historic Mortar Analysis~
Collection, screening, and sorting to discover ratios of materials used in brick and masonry mortar in order to correctly match strength, or color, of replacement or new mortar.

Original Sample Being Tested for % Lime Content:

Stained Glass- New Creation & Restoration

Study of Stained Glass~

• Historical study of architectural window installations and the relationship between light and glass dynamics used in them.
• Review of historic stained glass tools & materials as they relate to restoration.
  

New Piece Creation~

• Pattern rendering/scaling & color selection.
• Lead & Zinc came work.
• Custom frame fabrication.
  

Finished Panel:

~Featured in "Painting with Light" Exhibit, Benedum Gallery-Monongalia Arts Center. Morgantown, WV 2009





Restoration Panel~
~Completed for Historic Etz Mansion c 1897, Wheeling WV

• Window removal from original sash & glass removal from frame.
• In order to reach broken piece, the zinc colonial came needed to be de-soldered.
• Color selection for broken piece. Visited Wissmach Glass Works in order to attempt a color match.
• Shadow drawing of original piece size utilized in order to cut, shape and fit the piece accurately.
  
• Re-soldering of original joints.
• Re-cementing of entire piece, complete with new glazing upon placement in frame.
• Black patina added to new solder joints to blend with historic came color.
  
• Re-installation in house.

Analysis of color:

De-soldering of Original Joints:

Pattern Creation:

New Piece Fitting:

Completed Restoration:

Gilding and Composition Ornament Restoration

Gilding & Composition Ornament Study~

• Ability to identify the differences in historic gilded finishes and recommend the proper avenue for repair of damaged surfaces.
• Practice in gilding techniques: Gold leaf application, metallic & mica powders, & gilding cremes.
  
• Composition (Compo) Ornament creation from raw thermoplastic compo dough through the use of pressings and molds.

Gilded Compo Mantle Board:

Historic Gold Mirror Restoration~

~Completed for the Vandalia Heritage Foundation. Restored mirror will be re-installed in the historic 12th Street apartments, Wheeling, WV. Mirror and frame c. 1900.

Basic Process~

• Assessment of damage and cataloging of reclaimed pieces.
• Thorough cleaning and preparation for mold taking.
  
• Rubber mold creation by taking oil clay pressings from unbroken portions of the frame and recasting.
• Creation and refitting of new compo pieces in order to achieve a seamless patch for broken areas.
  
• Application of a historic tinted gilt creme in order to achieve a finish that will match the existing portions of the frame.

Original Condition, Frame Measures 6.5' x 6':

Example of Breakage:

Cleaning Process:

Pressings Being Taken for Mold Creation:

Completed Molds for Recasting:

New Piece Fitting and Application:
Repaired vs. Broken:
Application of Red Gilding Primer:

Before vs After:

Before vs. After:

Completed Frame: