Historic Plaster Conservation Services - Notable Projects
First Church of Christ, Scientist
69th and Central Park West, Manhattan
May 2007
Historic Plaster Conservation Services Project Team Members |
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.
The study resulted in an innovative approach to stabilizing the delicate ribs of the dome without disturbing the original paint finishes.
The plan involved the use of low density reinforced polyurethane foam as both a structural fill, and adhesive applied to the inner surface of the hollow cast ribs of the dome.
Re-profiling and surface repairs were completed to areas of the ribs that had previously fallen.
The plaster preservation work also involved stabilizing and reattaching hundreds of loose cast decorative plaster elements from Corinthian columns around the perimeter of the sanctuary.
Infill painting to match the surrounding original finishes was part of the mandate.
The project was completed by our team of 5 conservators in just over three weeks.
