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Historic Plaster Conservation Services

Historic Plaster Conservation Services deals with the problems of fragile plaster in historic buildings. Over the past ten years, we have developed specialised techniques for strengthening existing plaster in ceilings and walls. Our approach is most relevant in situations where failure of the plaster would result in the loss of painted or otherwise significant building fabric. Our goal is to work with clients who value the original building fabric for which they are responsible, and wish to retain it with minimal intervention.

Limited Services Provided

HPCS does not undertake re-plastering projects, and is not in the business of reproducing plaster ornamentation. In unfortunate cases where some plaster has already collapsed, there is no better model for replication than the remaining plaster consolidated and secured to the structure.

Non Destructive Testing and Conservation Research

For the marble clad postal hall of the 1930 Dominion Building in Hamilton Ontario, HPCS has developed a method of re-attaching delaminated marble panels to terra cotta substrate by hypodermic injection of acrylic resin to precisely identified locations behind the marble. Ground Penetration Radar is being used to identify fracture sites and eliminate the need for removal of any of the delicate marble cladding. This project is in conjunction with UMA Engineering Ltd., Martin Weaver Conservation Consultants, and Geophysics GPR International Inc.

In addition to these commercial projects, HPCS is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to experiment with plaster conservation techniques that will extend the useful life of plasters and stuccos.

Read about the Historic Plaster Conversation Services methodology and process for conserving historic plaster.

Recent Plaster Conservation Projects include:

First Church of Christ, Scientist, 69th and Central Park West, Manhattan, New York

Historic Plaster Conservation Services was retained to study the problems related to the plaster cladding over the structure of a Tiffany stained glass ceiling dome in the centre of this massive 1899 New York church building. Much of the original hessian reinforcement in the plaster was rotten and continued soaking and drying cycles from rain and snow water infiltration had taken a great toll on the stability of the historic plaster.
Read about the First Church of Christ, Scientist project.

The Royal Suite, Rideau Hall, Ottawa - Residence of the Governor General of Canada

As Consultants: A comprehensive report on the condition and options for conservation of this important 1830's ceiling. Conservation of the ornate elliptical plaster ceiling of the Royal Suite

Notre Dame Cathedral, Ottawa, Ontario

Conservation of all plaster elements of the cathedral interior. The project included:

• Preservation treatments for all plain face plaster (+/- 25,000 sq. ft)
• Preservation treatment for +/- 2000 lin. ft. of plaster beams that outline the arches of this gothic inspired edifice
• Testing and subsequent stabilization of countless details of plaster ornament through out the cathedral.
• Replication and re-application of hundreds of lost and damaged plaster elements.
• Re-attachment of 14 massive plaster crockets to the arch between the nave and transept

Gould Memorial Library, Bronx Community College, Formerly New York University, Bronx NYC

Gould Memorial Library was designed by Stanford White of McKim Mead & White and built in 1897. Historic Plaster Conservation Services was contracted for three distinct projects over two years:

• Conservation and stabilizing of 16 life-sized plaster statues that adorn the upper railing in the rotunda of the library.
• Conservation of the coffered domed ceiling of the rotunda
• Conservation of the ceiling of the library entrance

Dominion Public Building, Hamilton, Ontario

The project involved the reattachment without removal of all the marble cladding in the main postal hall of this depression era building. High tech Ground Penetrating Radar was used to identify conditions within the matrix of the wall system, and allow us to rectify problems there without removing the marble.

Convocation Hall, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

Conservation of the circular domed wire lath and plaster ceiling of this famous hall.

Capitol Theatre, Port Hope, Ontario

Stabilizing of the wire lath and plaster ceiling of the auditorium of this atmospheric theatre. Creation of two 50' long pneumatically operated plaster faced doors in the ceiling to conceal the theatrical lighting equipment from view during the projection of atmospheric effects on the ceiling.

George Street United Church, Peterborough, Ontario

Historic Plaster Conservation Services performed the following conservation services:

• Conservation of the plaster ceiling and its ornaments details.
• Completed upgrading of sanctuary lighting, attic safety catwalks, insulation and
• Removal of all lead contaminated existing paint from ceiling
• Redecoration of the sanctuary including extensive stencil work and re-creation of sacred images

Keene United Church, Keene, Ontario

Conservation of the sanctuary ceiling plaster in preparation for redecoration

The Drawing Room, Chateau Laurier Hotel - Fairmont Hotels, Ottawa, Ontario

Historic Plaster Conservation Services was contracted for restoration of the ceiling (+/- 6000 sq. ft.) including:

• recreation of 10 distinct molding elements,
• +/- 300 lin. ft. of six distinct extruded moldings
• replication of an extensive low relief frieze

Perth Town Hall, Perth, Ontario

Recreation of elaborate cornice molding in the former council chambers of the town hall building.

Villa Idalia, Port Hope, Ontario

Recreation of elaborate cornice and central medallions in the parlor and dining room of this Italianate Villa

View a list with more historic conservation projects by Historic Plaster Conservation Services.