Workshops

Decorative Paint Workshop - [WS1]
November 3 - 4, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Registration fee $460, limited to 30 participants

Objectives:
The workshop will provide attendees with an understanding of American decorative painted finishes and how to examine and preserve these finishes in architectural settings. The workshop will benefit administrators, architects, conservators, engineers, house museum directors, preservationists, and others working with the historic built environment.

Content:
Day 1 will start with an overview of the use of decorative paint in America, methods of investigation and analysis, and some hands-on work with investigating and conserving finishes. Hands on demonstrations will be conducted in the making and application of oil and water based paints with an explanation of the different attributes of each. These demonstrations will extend into Day 2 to allow for drying time. The day will conclude with an off-site visit to learn how to sample paint and the methods of creating exposures. Hands-on opportunities on conserving and recreating painted finishes will be provided.

Day 2 will begin with a discussion of the differences between paint color investigation and paint analysis, and whether these should be used to investigate decorative painting schemes. The discussion will address the lack of standards, and the problems this can cause. The workshop will examine some archival materials and discuss how these items are used. Further discussion will include an overview of the appropriate contents of decorative painting research reports.

The workshop will continue with hands-on examination of paint samples under the microscope and a limited amount of micro-chemical testing. The workshop will conclude with hands-on work investigating, conserving, and exposing finishes.

Instructors:
Mary Jablonski, Jablonski Berkowitz Conservation, Inc., New York, NY
Ms. Jablonski has a Master's Degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, New York. After graduation she worked for five years at a structural engineering firm specializing in the restoration of historic structures. Her current work includes: historic structure reports; historic material investigations; compliance with landmarks regulations; development of technical treatment specifications. She has special interests in finishes and modern materials. Ms. Jablonski is a Professional Associate in the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC). She is a past Chair of the Architecture Specialty of Group of the AIC. She is on the board of the APT North East Chapter.

John Canning, Founder and President, John Canning and Company, Ltd.

Mr. Canning is a member of the American Institute of Conservators (AIC). He was educated in old world and traditional paint and decorative techniques at the Scottish Decorative Trade Institute, Glasgow Stow College of Building and at the Glasgow School of Art. He served an apprenticeship as a church decorator before becoming a member of the London City and Guilds. Mr. Canning brought his skills and talents to the US in the early 1970s, and over the years has become a pivotal force in the restoration of historic American Architecture. The company is pre-qualified for restoration and conservation work on projects under the auspices of the New York Landmark Preservation Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior.