April 2005 web

Volume IV, Issue 1 April 2005

It's finally Spring here in the Northeast, and we're happy to say that business is blooming. Following are some things that have cropped up in the last few months that we thought you might be interested in.

In this issue

the rest of the story: Michael Donnelly fills in the design blanks at Trinity Church

a higher office: current municipal and government projects of interest

down to basics: ornamental plaster restoration at Canning Studios

the apprentice: welcome John II

Come hear the rest of the story: May 3, 6:30pm at Trinity Church, Boston


Daniel Cottier, The Sower and the Reaper, 1878 Trinity Church

Little known and relatively unpublished are the details of Scottish designer and stained glass artist Daniel Cottier's early and significant involvement in the decoration schemes for Trinity Church. Cottier's designs both influenced and contrasted with those of lead artist John LaFarge to whom the landmark's design is almost exclusively credited.

Canning Studios has arranged for Michael Donnelly to fill in the blanks about what really happened between the two great decorators and designers by sharing letters and documents that have been uncovered in researching the great Scottish designer. Donnelly is a leading authority on Scottish stained glass and is currently writing a biography of Daniel Cottier. This free lecture will illuminate the working relationships and decision-making process of the time and should lead to a lively discussion among scholars at its conclusion.

In keeping with their commitment to historic decoration education, Canning Studios has funded this lecture at Trinity Church, Boston on Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 pm. Canning Studios serves as the prime contractor for the current restoration of the tower at this national landmark. Reservations for the lecture are required and can be made by contacting Kathy Acerbo-Bachman at 617-536-0944 x217 or kacerbobachmann@trinitychurchboston.org.

We hope to see you there.

a higher office: Iowa State Capitol, West Virginia State Capitol, US Treasury Building


Interior detail, Iowa State Capitol

Work has been completed on Phase F of the historic Iowa State Capitol. Canning Studios conserved and restored five rooms, and recreated the design in nine other rooms/areas of the northeast quadrant. In so doing, multiple decorative finish techniques were employed including: trompe l'oeil, woodgraining, gilding, stenciling, and freehand. Related tasks of investigation, repairs and preparation, cleaning, substrate repairs, stabilization and consolidation, removal of overpaint, and documentation of the work were also included.

Three distinct periods of interior decoration were defined in a 2003 analysis of historic finishes. The consensus was to restore the decoration to the second period – 1904-1910 (post fire) as this period is well documented, incorporates vestiges of the first period with new design, and for the first time, the includes installation of major artwork. The significant changes made during this period have gained importance over time. It was decided that the evolution of the building should be respected.

Canning Studios is currently working on the restoration and gilding of the exterior dome of the West Virginia State Capitol. The dome, inspired by the Palace of Invalids - Napoleon's tomb - was originally designed with gilded decorative ornament against a rich blue base or background. Over the years and for as long as residents could remember, the dome had been completely gilded. Faced with the dilemma of which design treatment to reinstate, the legislature wisely chose to put the question to the people of West Virginia to decide in a referendum. When presented with the facts, the people overwhelmingly chose to reinstate the original design. This restoration will once again accentuate the elaborate ornamental details.

At the US Treasury Building in Washington DC, Canning Studios is working on yet another area of this vast and ornate landmark building. Decorative paint and gilding are the primary techniques needed for this space.

Canning Studios expands to include ornamental plaster restoration:


detail, ornamented plaster repair at Warner Theatre, Eerie, PA

Skilled decorators need a sound surface to work upon. The most common substrate is plaster, and the ability to replicate intricate plaster motifs, consolidate and re-attach existing surfaces has now been added to the Canning Studios roster of skills. By including plaster restoration in their services, curing (drying) time can be built into tight schedules to ensure a quality project with lasting results.

the apprentice


John David

David and Jackie Canning Riccio welcomed the birth of their third child, John David on July 6, 2004. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 11oz., John is the 6th addition to the expanding third generation of the Canning Clan.

Back to the web site