conservation science and preservation technology

Child of the Sun: A Crumbling History Preserved

Restoration of the Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral, located in Norwich, Norfolk, England, was constructed between 1080 and 1120 in the Norman Romanesque style. It was built using flint and mortar, then it was covered in limestone. In 1463, the spire of the cathedral was hit by lightning, causing a fire and damaging the building. The Bishop at the time orderedContinue reading “Restoration of the Norwich Cathedral”

Preservation Evaluation: Gustav Stickley's Log House

In September 2004 the restoration of Gustav Stickley’s Log House, a National Historic Landmark located at Craftsman Farms in New Jersey, was completed. The house was originally the private residence of Stickley from 1911 to 1917. The architectural style epitomizes the Arts and Crafts movement and was meant to be ‘harmonious with its natural setting.’Continue reading “Preservation Evaluation: Gustav Stickley's Log House”

Condition Survey: Simpson Building, Mount Dora, Florida

The Simpson Building is a historic, brick building located in downtown Mount Dora, Florida. Built in 1925 it originally served as a hotel; current day the four storefront spaces on the main level are rented to four different business owners, with each store operating a separate HVAC system. From the exterior, the building appears toContinue reading “Condition Survey: Simpson Building, Mount Dora, Florida”

Condition Survey: 535 Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Florida

The Donnelly House was built in 1893 in Mount Dora, Florida, by John P. Donnelly, originally of Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Donnelly had moved from Pittsburgh to Mount Dora in 1879 and became the town’s first mayor. This house was built years later and was designed by the architect George Franklin Barber, as a mail orderContinue reading “Condition Survey: 535 Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Florida”

The Great Scrape vs. Antiscrape Debacle

Considering this debate has been going on strong since the 19th century, it is impossible to state which is the best avenue of preservation, Scrape or Antiscrape, as both are founded with equally convincing principles and beliefs. Viollet-Le-Duc was on one extreme and Morris and Ruskin were on the opposite side, similar to a gameContinue reading “The Great Scrape vs. Antiscrape Debacle”