Mahogany Suite after restoration. Photo Credits © Robert Benson Photography. |
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Historic house museums play a distinctive role in the preservation of history. Unlike traditional museums where artifacts are separated from their original contact, historic house museums allow visitors to step directly into the lived environments of past generations. Each room, finish, and decorative detail becomes part of a larger narrative that connects us to the individuals and eras that shaped our culture. Each decorative detail, from a hand-painted mural to a gilded ceiling accent, reflects not only the tastes of an era but also the skill of artisans whose work has endured across generations.
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Yet, like all materials, these finishes are vulnerable to time, environment, and neglect. Preserving them is essential not only to honor the past but also to safeguard the long-term value and character of these remarkable homes. We have had the privilege of working with a number of these historic house museums, ensuring that their artistry and stories remain intact for generations to come.
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Our work at the Mark Twain House, a historic home in the Victorian Gothic Revival style located in Hartford, CT, was focused on the Mahogany Suite. The Mahogany Suite was known as their best guest suite where the family would host their guests and close friends, and prior to our restoration work, had been closed to the public since the early 2000's. This historic house museum is where Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, created some of the most enduring works in American literature.
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Some of the wallcovering samples placed on the wall in the Mahogany Suite for review |
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In the Mahogany Suite, we restored the architectural woodwork which had varying areas of damage from water, staining, and failing finishes. We stripped the original mahogany woodwork and restored it to its historic finish using a five-step finishing process. Water damage had infiltrated the plaster in several areas, which we repaired and restored. We also installed wallcoverings, including the introduction of period wallpapers designed by Candace Wheeler in 1883, that include spider webs, hives and bees throughout the room.
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Original graffiti and notes were uncovered during the Mahogany Suite restoration, and are believed to belong to either Samuel Clemens, the architect, or engineer. We used the traditional use of lining paper, which was installed prior to the wallcoverings, to preserve the original graffiti and markings. This historic house museum is a special element of Connecticut’s history, being one of the first 100 properties in the nation to be designated a National Historic Landmark.
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We’ve done multiple projects over the years at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, Connecticut. Constructed in the 1860's, this National Historic Landmark is among the earliest and most significant Second Empire-style country houses in the United States. We were entrusted with conservation work at the mansion, and through careful investigation, documentation, and treatment, we sought to stabilize and reveal the original beauty of the decorative finishes without compromising its authenticity.
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Examples of original decorations that have not yet been conserved or restored. |
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Specifically, part of our work involved restoring the Card Room, Parlor, Renaissance Revival library, and two ceilings at the back of the house. We conserved, repaired, and restored marquetry doors and frames which were all originally French polished, enamel-painted artwork, cabochons of mother-of-pearl, bronze, and water gilding, ensuring that the museum could be shared with the public in an authentic state. |
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Each historic house museum tells stories that are inseparable from their physical environments. The authenticity of a space is what allows visitors to step into another time. When conserved with care, these homes are not just remnants of the past; they are living legacies, connecting us to history while continuing to add value into the future. |
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| 3 Collegiate Buildings Designed By Charles Bulfinch |
Known prominently as the Architect of the Capitol, Charles Bulfinch and his simply balanced classical designs dominate the American architectural landscape from grand capitals to monastic chapels. A Boston native, he studied at the Boston Latin School and went on to Harvard University to further classical studies and architecture. During a tour of Europe from 1785-1788, Bulfinch carried on in the classical tradition, finding inspiration in the works of Andrea Palladio as well as neoclassical giants such as Christopher Wren and Robert Adam. In this blog, discover 3 historic collegiate buildings designed by Charles Bulfinch, America's first professional architect, and learn how his timeless style shaped campus architecture.
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Primer On Mural Conservation |
Preservation of fine art murals is a conscious effort and commitment to the preservation of beauty, history, and culture for the enjoyment of future generations. This great responsibility requires a multifaceted approach and a comprehensive understanding of the methods, materials, and potential threats to mural stability. Considering preventative methods is just as important as addressing immediate damages when ensuring the long-term health of a mural. In this blog, we hope the following suggestions will help stewards of fine art to understand and embrace the process of conservation as well as enjoy their role in the preservation of cultural heritage.
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The Catholic Art Institute’s 6th Annual Conference, Reviving Faith & Hope Through Sacred Art, was held from September 19th to the 20th at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Canning is honored to have been a sponsor of the conference, along with President of John Canning & Co., David Riccio, being one of the six featured speakers. Riccio’s lecture focused on Reviving Beauty Through Decoration: A Craftsman’s Perspective on Renovation & Restoration. “Decoration is more than just superficial embellishment; it is a powerful form of communication. It's how we add beauty, meaning, and expression to our built environment, thereby transforming the ordinary into something special” (President David Riccio). The lecture was a success and if you weren’t able to attend the conference, you can click here to view the lectures. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who made this event possible!
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The celebration for the completed Historic Restoration of New London City Hall took place on Tuesday, September 30th, recognizing the City Staff, Architects, Consultants and Contractors, whose skill and expertise accomplished this restoration. At the New London City Hall, Canning performed decorative painting on the ceiling, upper walls, entablature, columns, and lower walls to match with the original 1914 color palette, along with plaster repairs on any damaged and degrading areas of plaster. In 2023, we received a Preservation Connecticut Award of Merit for the New London City Hall. We were honored to have attended this event, which included a City Hall Plaque Dedication Ceremony and an Open House. Click here to view the work we completed at New London City Hall.
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Traditional Building features 25 leaders who have made a difference in the world of traditional design and historic preservation in their segment “25 leaders – Who’s Who.” This year, one of John Canning & Co.’s Principals, David Riccio, is honored to be named on that list. “As a leading expert in architectural conservation and restoration, Riccio has helped shape some of America’s most famous buildings, from the Virginia State Capitol to Radio City Music Hall. To him, his career is much more than just a job-it is an undertaking to sustain and grow the craft of architectural conservation” (Traditional Building). In the 2023 edition, Founder of Canning, John Canning, was also honored to make the list, highlighting his masterful craftsmanship and dedication to historic preservation. These Who's Who lists include experts in their fields who have dedicated themselves and their careers to furthering traditionally built environments through education, architecture, design, and craft. Click here to view the list!
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We’re excited that next month is the Association for Preservation Technology (APT) Annual Conference, which is presenting the brand-new conference feature for the Craft Trades Spotlight and Showcase Area. Canning committed to a two-year sponsorship for both the 2025 and 2026 conferences, marking the launch of this brand-new feature debuting in 2025 and celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2026! Don’t miss out on this exciting new conference feature and join us in Providence, Rhode Island, from November 11-15th for this year’s APT Annual Conference. Click here for more information.
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Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok!
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Take a look at our decorative painting work we've done over the years at this charming historic home. At 847 Asylum we were involved in decorative painting in the 90s and were recently invited back to restore different areas of the space. |
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We understand the importance of sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation, and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our Featured Downloadable Resource below. |
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If you think others would be interested in our content, please forward it!
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The Association for Preservation Technology (APT) is the premier cross-disciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structure and their settings.
Annual Conference November 11-15, 2025
Providence, RI |
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As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved. |
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The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission.
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION #PerfectingPreservation #jcanningcrew |
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