Restoration of Historic New York Ornamental Plaster Decoration

Last autumn, we received an unexpected yet exciting project at our restoration workshop: a broken and worn ornamental plaster decoration sent all the way from New York City. The piece, intricately detailed and rich with history, had adorned a grand pre-war building in Manhattan for over a century. The owner of the building, a preservation enthusiast, had discovered the ornament in the basement during a renovation. Despite its damaged state, the decoration's beauty and craftsmanship were unmistakable. Knowing the importance of preserving such a historic artifact, he entrusted us with the restoration. Our journey began with a meticulous assessment of the piece. We took several samples to understand its composition and age. The plaster was delicate, and the layers of old paint and grime told stories of decades gone by. Our first task was to carefully remove the paint, revealing the original surface beneath. Each brush stroke and chisel mark was a testament to the skill of the artisans who created it. With the paint removed, we turned our attention to the broken and missing parts. Our skilled artisans worked painstakingly to improve the shapes of the plaster ornament, restoring it to its former glory. We referred to historical photos and documents provided by the owner to ensure every detail was accurate. Next, we created a silicone mould to capture the intricate designs of the original piece. This mould allowed us to replicate the missing sections with precision. Using high-quality plaster, we remade the required lengths, ensuring a seamless blend with the original structure. Throughout the restoration process, we maintained constant communication with the building owner in New York. He was thrilled with the progress and eagerly anticipated the return of the restored ornament. Finally, after weeks of dedicated work, the piece was complete. We carefully packed it and shipped it back to Manhattan. The owner was overjoyed upon receiving the restored ornament. It was once again a stunning centerpiece, ready to be reinstalled in its rightful place. The restored decoration not only added to the building's grandeur but also served as a beautiful reminder of its rich history. Our team took great pride in this project. Restoring such a significant piece of New York's architectural heritage was a rewarding experience. It reinforced our commitment to preserving history, one plaster decoration at a time.