Today, many of this country's buildings are constructed of glazed
architectural terra-cotta. However, many of these are in a state
of serious deterioration and decay. Glazed architectural terra-cotta
was, in many ways, the "wonder" material of the American
building industry in the late 19th century and during the first
decades of the 20th century. New technology and methods of rehabilitation
now hold promise for the restoration and rehabilitation of these
invaluable and significant resources. Restoration/rehabilitation
work on glazed architectural terra-cotta is demanding and will
not tolerate halfway measures. Today's preservation work should
equal the spirit, attention to detail, pride in workmanship and
care which characterized the craftsmanship associated with this
widely used, historic masonry material.
"Recipes for Baked Earth." Progressive Architecture
(November, 1977).
McIntyre, W.A. Investigations into the Durability of Architectural
Terra Cotta. Special Report 12. London: Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research, Building Research Station, 1929.
Prudon, Theodore H.M. "Architectural Terra-cotta: Analyzing
the Deterioration Problems and Restoration Approaches." Technology
and Conservation, Vol. 3 (Fall, 1978), pp. 30-38.
Prudon, Theodore H.M. Terra Cotta as a Building Material. A Bibliography.
Ottawa, Ontario: Association for Preservation Technology, 1976.
Acknowledgements
This Preservation Brief was written by de Teel Patterson Tiller,
Architectural Historian, Technical Preservation Services Division.
Information for this publication was based in part upon interviews
and consultation with Theodore H.M. Prudon, The Ehrenkrantz Group,
P.C., New York, New York. Additional comments and information
were provided by Si A. Bortz, Illinois Institute of Technology
Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois, and Jerry G. Stockbridge,
Wiss, Janney, Elstner, and Associates, Northbrook, Illinois.
Washington, D.C. June, 1979
This publication has been prepared pursuant to the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, which directs the Secretary
of the Interior to develop and make available information concerning historic
properties. Technical Preservation Services (TPS), Heritage Preservation
Services Division, National Park Service prepares standards, guidelines,
and other educational materials on responsible historic preservation treatments
for a broad public.
"The Preservation of Historic Glazed Architectural Terra-Cotta" an Historic Preservation Brief
