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"Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors" an Historic Preservation Brief December 1, 2008


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Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors
Preserving Composition Ornament

Jonathan Thornton and William Adair, FAAR
Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors

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Introduction

De-Mystifying the Mix

        Compo: The Basic Ingredients

              Chalk

              Glue

              Linseed oil

              Resin

Making Composition Ornament: A Process Unchanged

Molds and the Creation of Patterns

        Composition molds

              Wood

              Metal alloys

              Sulfur

                    The Three Graces

              Composition

              Pitch

Historical Survey

        Early History and Renaissance

        The 18th Century

        The 19th Century

        The 20th Century

Compo Deterioration and Damage

        Variables in mixing and application

        Interior environmental conditions

Planning for Treatment

        Historical research

        Existing conditions analysis

Treating the Problem with Care

        Paint removal

              Caustic strippers

              Organic solvents

              Heat guns

              Enzymes

              Dimethyl esters

        Surface cracking

        Delamination

        Repairs to broken or damaged compo

        Replacement of missing compo ornamentation

        Restoration of a period interior

Conclusion

Selected Reading

Organizations

Acknowledgements


Return to the Knowledge Base

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Selected Reading

Adair, William. "An Investigation of Composition Ornamentation." The Interiors Handbook for Historic Buildings II. Washington, D.C.: Historic Preservation Education Foundation, 1993, Chapter 4, pp. 1-7.

Adair, William. The Frame in America, 1700-1900: A Survey of Fabrication, Techniques and Styles. Washington, D.C.: The American Institute of Architects Foundation, 1983.

Budden, Sophie (ed.). Gilding and Surface Decoration. London: United Kingdom Institute for Conservation, 1991. See: Judith Wetherall, "History and Techniques of Composition," pp. 26-29; Jonathan Thornton, "Minding the Gap: Filling Losses in Gilded and Decorated Surfaces," pp. 12-17.

Cotton, J. Randall. "Composition Ornament." Old-House Journal. Vol. XXI, No. 1 (January/February 1993), pp. 28-33.

Green, Malcolm. "Conservation and Restoration of Gilded Antiques." The Conservator, 3. United Kingdom for Conservation, 1979.

Hasluck, Paul N. (ed.). Cassell's Cyclopedia of Mechanics, 8 vols. London: Cassell and Co., 1904, Chapter 4, p. 164.

_______________. Mounting and Framing Pictures. London: Cassell and Co., 1899.

Kunou, C.A. Manual of Gilding and Compo Work. Los Angeles, California: The Bruce Publishing Co., 1928. Request reprint information from the International Institute for Frame Study, 2126 "O" Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.

Loeffler, R.F. Step by Step Compo and Mold Making. Oroville, California: Loeffler-Valac Industries, 1992.

Millar, William. Plastering Plain & Decorative: A Practical Treatise on the Art & Craft ofPlastering and Modelling. London: B. T. Batsford. New York: John Lane, 1899.

Scott-Mitchell, Frederick. Practical Gilding. London: The Trade Papers Publishing Company, 1905.

The Gilder's Manual. New York: Excelsior Publishing House, 1876. Reprinted by the Society of Gilders, Washington, D.C., 1990.

The Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division. Washington, D.C., 1992.

Thornton, Jonathan. "Compo: The History and Technology of `Plastic' Compositions." Preprints of papers presented at the 13th annual meeting, Washington, D.C. American Institute for Conservation, 1985.


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