Howard Hall Farm Blog

Monday, July 30, 2007

Statue of Liberty's Tinsmith To Visit Howard Hall Farm

Lady Liberty's Tin Man 'Ternes' toward Howard Hall Farm

Our House at Howard Hall Farm has a Terne Tin roof, so over the years, Reggie has done a lot of research on it. He's been looking for an expert for quite some time now, so when he read an article in the New York Post about THE TIN MAN who is the fourth generation of a line of tinsmiths (dating back to 1892), and Lady Liberty's personal assistant, he couldn't resist getting in touch with him.


Incredible as it seems, Dennis Heaphy has agreed to come work on Howard Hall Farm's tin roof! He'll be working here for a week in mid-October. During his stay, Dennis will be conducting a presentation for children about the making of the statue of Liberty.

In an interview for "The Tin Man:Metalsmith puts best face on Lady Liberty", by C.J. Sullivan(New York Post), Mr. Heaphy said, "This truly is my dream job. It’s an evolution of everything I’ve ever done. It’s an opportunity to use an esoteric knowledge, combined with an opportunity to display it. And there’s nothing like seeing a child fascinated with something they didn’t know they’d be fascinated with. They love to hear me tell how hard it was for me, at 11, to hold the tools. They grab them and try and keep them steady.

When I leave for the day, it’s a real gift to go home by boat. I always look back at the Statue of Liberty and feel good that I enriched some people’s day there. It makes me giggle when I look back. I feel that good."

We are open to the idea of offering a workshop for anyone interested in learning at the hands of a true artisan, but we will only do this if enough people are interested. If you would like to take a workshop to learn to work with Terne Tin, contact us at howardhall.farm@gmail.com


For those of you who aren't familiar with Terne Tin, Reggie found a posting about it on the Slate Roof Central Message Board:

"Terne is an alloy coating of lead and tin used to cover steel - the terne coated steel is also known as terne metal and often referred to as "tin" (get the Slate Roof Bible). You can still buy terne-coated steel at any roofing supply place. We do not use it because it's better to use terne coated STAINLESS steel (TCS), or copper, when replacing terne metal roofs. Both TCS and copper will outlast terne metal and don't need painted until they reach about 50 years (if ever).

Terne metal needs painted immediately or it will rust and it has to be painted regularly. If it is kept painted, it will last a long time (90 years).

The latest version of terne is called terne II. It is an alloy of zinc and tin (the lead has been removed for environmental reasons). The terne coated stainless is now called TCSII. It's available from Follansbee in Follansbee, WV.

I should add that when ordering terne coated stainless from a roofing supply company make sure you make it very clear that it's STAINLESS steel you're ordering. Numerous times we have been shipped terne coated steel instead of the terne coated stainless steel that we ordered due to salesmen who weren't too bright and didn't know the difference."

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Historic Materials Workshops


Historic Paint & Finishes:

Paint's Dating History, Material Relationships, and Finishes

August 4-5, 2007 workshop fee: $300

This introductory workshop is geared toward home restorers, artists, and curious folk, without expecting participants to have previous knowledge of historic paints and finishes.


The workshops will begin with a presentation by Michael Black of Liberty Paint touching on topics such as:
* The Colorful History of Paint: Traditions, Alternative Variations, & Uses * Paint Types: Oil, Whitewash, Egg, Milk, Pigments, Asphaltum, Modern, Glazes, Varnish, & Shellac * Project Reference: Munsell Color Standards & Color Computer * Chromo-chronology: Dating Paint Layers * Surfaces: Wood, Plaster, Ferrous Metal, Aluminum, Brick, Stone * Project Prep: Stripping, Sanding, & Application * Project Tools: Brushes, Spray, Padding, etc. * Project Evaluation: Lead, Plaster, Solvents, Mildew, & Wallpaper

Michael Black's presentation is followed by hands-on workshop demonstrating methods including:

  • Faux Rosewood Doors
  • Milk Paint, Stencil, Faux Marble Floors

Moira Kelly and Nora Johnson, whom we're constantly raving about will be leading the rest of the historic paint and interior finishes sessions.

These prestigious New York decorative artists are frequent collaborators with complimentary strengths.

Norah Johnson received a BA in Fine Art from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA, and conducted her post-graduate studies at Les Beaux Arts in Paris and New York University in New York. An exquisitely accomplished and prolific painter and sculptress, her professional life has included more than 85 major commissions for the public, corporate, and private sectors spanning four continents. Among these are works for Bank of America, Sun Oil, E.I. DuPont, AT&T, The Peoria civic Center, and the Hyatt Regency.

Always a pioneer, her practice stretches into the realms of mural painting and decorative finishes as well. In her research and explorations of historic decoration, she has had the opportunity to explore and restore some of the superlative remaining examples of 19th century stencils and folk graining.

Her interest in utilizing green technology in conjunction with historic processes has allowed her to create innovative techniques that integrate traditional methods of working with environmentally friendly materials, preserving the stunning and irreplaceable beauty of the old practices, while enabling them to be practically applied in keeping with the demands of modern times.

Moira Kelly has an Honors degree in Art History and a certificate in conservation from Munich, Germany. She has worked in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. She has been involved in many prestigious projects around the globe. Most recently, Moira was retained to do a feasibility study on the future restoration of a Philip Guston mural in Morelia, Mexico.

To learn more about Philip Guston's murals, click here. The link above will send you to a text that I am thrilled is available online. It is probably the most pivotal work on Guston ever published and anyone can read it for free online. The link leads to:

A Critical Study of Philip Guston by Dore Ashton UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS Berkeley, Los Angeles. Oxford 1990 The Regents of the University of California

Moira Kelly is a technician with a broad knowledge of materials, their history, and application. Nora's expertise and experimentation have led her to create contemporary solutions to conservation issues with new surfaces and materials. Their workshop is a weekend introduction to the character of decorative painting, its uses (commercial and residential), its role in restoration work, ethics, safety, tools and matterials, and some basic techniques and terminology. You will also be advised on some books worth consulting and materials and tools to use in your own projects.

As you can see, we have a killer line-up for this workshop. It's sure to be an incredible and inspiring weekend.

Our workshops will help you achieve success with finishes whether you're a professional painter, decorator, a building owner, or overseeing a preservation project. Certificates of completion will be distributed to attendees at the conclusion of the workshop and lunches are provided.

We will be having a surprise guest!

JOIN US FOR AN COCKTAILS AND AN EVENING PRESENTATION WITH MARGARET SALISKE!

Margaret's talk coincides nicely with the Historic Paints and Finishes workshop, but is a separate event. Her presentation and cocktails will begin at 6:30 at Howard Hall Farm (84 Howard Hall Road, Athens, NY). Anyone (whether part of the workshop or not) is welcome to attend this talk. Admittance to our Evening Talk With Margaret Saliske is $15. RSVP or just drop in.


Historic Lime Mortar

Summer - TBA

Repointing & Rebuilding Stone is a workshop taught by John Speweik of U.S. Heritage Group of Chicago. The workshop is formatted as an on-site consultation of the 220-year-old Federal style home in Athens NY, which serves as our classroom and laboratory. The site offers a unique environment for hands-on learning and offers specific restoration challenges that are distinctive to this region. These classes are geared toward the restoration practitioner as well as the layman and are sure to be valuable resource in this restoration-heavy area of the country.

John will offer a presentation on the History of Mortar as well as technical information regarding the analysis and evaluation of historic mortars. Following the presentation, participants will engage in hands-on repointing and stone rebuilding work using the specified methods of approach for masonry restoration.


Historic Lime Plaster Training: A Forensic Investigation and Resolution of the Travesties of Time

WITH RORY BRENNAN

THE NEW DATES ARE IN! THE LIME PLASTER WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD FROM JULY 24-26. EARLY REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED.

3-day Workshop fee: $450

REGISTRATION CLOSED. To read about upcoming workshops, click the Classes tab at the top of the page.

For more information & registration details: howardhall.farm@gmail.com

The Historic Lime Plaster Workshop will be given by Plaster Preservationist and Conservator Rory Brennan of Preservation Plastering . His projects have included some of the finest government buildings, churches, and Historic House Museums in the Country.Click here to read his article for "This Old House"

Rory will present a lecture and workshop on the chemistry, analysis, evalauation, and application of Historic Plaster including plaster mixing to match original, ornamental design and layouts, finishing techniques, and tools of the trade. He will guide participants through the process of investigating the clues of time's crime against exquisite architectural elements, and using highly specialized techniques to bring the victims back to their former glory.

**This class has passed. To read about upcoming workshops, CLICK HERE ** For more information & registration details: howardhall.farm@gmail.com

Tentative Lime Plaster Training Curriculum from Rory Brennan:


Three day workshop: This program is conducted on-site in an actual historic setting. The class will investigate and evaluate the conditions found and discuss the various options available for repair and implement a chosen path. The attendees will learn how to match an historic plaster and build the patching plaster from the components. We will start out the first day making plaster and then analyzing the existing plaster and replacement sand. I will take your attendees down the same path I take on every project. We will learn by doing everyday. There will be a minor power point show to reinforce the lessons learned developed from photos taken at the workshop. The last hour of every day will be involved with a question and answer period concerning that days and any previous day's program. I will develop a power point show which you can forward to attendees (on CD) with printable images of the repair techniques specific to HHF. I will print and send to you a completion certificate to be signed by you and forwarded to each attendee. This skill set also adapts well and fits in with painting preparation. Attendees will learn how to make judgments about plaster repair from existing conditions to choosing repair options and implementing them for the longest lasting results in the shortest amount of time. This training will be of interest to architects, property management, maintence crews, contractors, homeowners, DIYers, painters, plasterers, specifiers and estimators.

PRESERVATION PLASTERING, LTD™ Three Day Plaster Repair Training

DAY ONE:

Acid test Analyze existing plaster/sand Sand to use, field test to find correct ratio Volumetric test Make plaster AFTER LUNCH Data from Volumetric test Example: 33 ml liquid in 100ml sand = 1 lime putty: 3 sand Lime putty into mixer 1/3 sand into bucket, one at a time Talk about fiber Hemp vs. hair vs. synthetic Add fiber to plaster Off load plaster into trash cans to store until day two Go over site and lay out scope and schedule of work NOTES: Add 40% to plaster volumes to compensate for keys and wall cavity drops. PRESERVATION PLASTERING, LTD™

DAY TWO: Analyze existing conditions Loose areas Look for bulges Feel for loose plaster Finger test for stability Replacement areas Determine mix Value of conditioning lath Holes and cracks Determine mixture White coat Joint compound Stabilize plaster BEFORE LUNCH Drill Condition Adhere Clamp Prepare surfaces for plaster Conditioner to lath Plaster Scratch coat on large area voids NOTES: PRESERVATION PLASTERING, LTD™

DAY THREE: Remove clamps Reusable washers Plaster Large areas Finish layer Small areas Only layer—add gypsum, 1:3 Joint compound Surface divots"

Scroll down to see what's been going on around here. Everyone's been working hard!

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Prune the Leaves. Don't Cut Green Corners.



This video was borrowed from One Red Paperclip

Our friend Dan just sent us some discouraging news. We were all whipped into a frenzy of excitement and hope when we learned about William McDonough, the revolutionary Architect who planned (among other things) to build an ecologically balanced, energy-efficient village in China. Unfortunately, the project doesn't seem to be going too well (read:disaster)...

Labels: , , ,

Friday, July 13, 2007

Picking up new moldings in the magical forest

To see our adventure as a slideshow, click:

1 the path to santa's workshop

Yesterday, we received a call telling us that our moldings were ready to be picked up. I had spoken to the man making them on the phone before, and even as no more than a voice, his Scottish accent and incredible kindness struck me. He had a familial quality to him that I think would touch anyone who read fairy tales as a child. His voice was woodsy and ancient but posessed a timeless jovial quality. Reggie had been telling me how amazing Ron is in person, but I couldn't have understood it without seeing him in real life.

I got in the truck with Reggie and Blossom (Reggie's little Jack Russel), and we drove for a long time, going deep into the forest to find Ron's workshop and pick up the beautiful moldings he made with his hands. The woods were straight out of a Celtic fairy tale, with a carving of the Greenman gaurding it, and a foreboding sign hung along the winding path:

"ANYONE FOUND HERE AT NIGHT WILL BE FOUND HERE IN THE MORNING"

The road wound and dipped and threw its pools of rainwater against the truck, licking at the cavities of the rolled down windows.

When we arrived at his clearing, Reggie introduced me to Ron, who is truly a man straight out of a legend and charming as hell. He grew up in Aberdeen, and his father was a game-keeper, and somehow, he ended up here, protecting this little patch of forest.

He let us into his workshop, all filled up with sawdust from making Celtic knot staircases and wooden puzzles (he designed one for every day of the year, and as little girls, his daughters used to miraculously solve them all), and our new moldings.

The workshop was filled with all sorts of curious things... cupric tints covered the tools, and there were sharp objects at every turn and lathe...devices that nick and sand....

He loaded the moldings onto our truck, and called me Lass, while refusing to make me help with the lifting, and was very kind to us all...I saw an antler hiding under the wood-scraps at the top of a shelf. They peeked out like an omen. Clean materials were all mixed in with the ancient looking tools and their teeth, and the smell of sawdust was so pervasive and refreshing that it became a personality of its own...

Ron's blades looked like a brainwave map, all in flux and tidy rows... Everywhere, were lurking teeth. Old world meets new, legend and life snuggling comfortably in their little patch of forest. The dust from all his projects created a fine film on the windows, and the way it filtered light and murk gave you the feeling you were looking through portals to a magical forest you couldn't enter.The forest in his window seemed older than the one outside his door. It was an altered place.

Ron showed Reggie pictures of the most beautiful Celtic stairwell....he built the thing with his mythic hands. It was a masterpiece. I don't care what logic says. In my memory, Ron was eight feet tall and lives in a magical forest where strange things happen, and animals seem to take on new power....

When we left, Blossom sat on Reggie's lap, and became fascinated with the road. She seemed particularly affected by the woods and the whimsical realm we were leaving behind. And then something strange came over her... she put her front paws on the wheel of the truck and began to 'drive'... It wore off as we left the woods... but for a while Blossom got to feel like a person.

We passed many old roads with names like "Gypsy Point" for a mile or so before returning home with our amazing new moldings, visions of Rob's world, and the scent of the forest in our clothes....

It wore off as we left the woods...

Photos are from 12 Jul 2007.


Subscribe to a feed of stuff on this page... Feed – Subscribe to photos from "trip to Rob's workshop"

Labels: , ,

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Once Again, The Intern Hunt Is On


**Not that kind of hunt...we don't want to shoot them, just invite them over for a nice cup of tea, and a week of restoration.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES We're inviting anyone interested in a week-long restoration or research internship to click on this article's title and read on! We're offering a number of different internships between now and November. We have positions ideal for students (of restoration, historic structures, writing, history, library studies, construction, architecture, antiquarian processes, artisans, etc.) as well as places for people who have their own historic home (or someone else's to work on), and would like a chance to get a feel for our environmentally friendly restoration techniques, and apply them to their own structures! Glean some of the benefits of taking our workshops at off-peak times working as an intern, and have a chance to meet all the interesting characters lurking about this old pile of beams.

Labels: , , , , ,

Roomful of Corbels

The newest addition to our little crew is the Lady Lorena,who is restoring this roomful of corbels.

Labels: ,

Friday, July 6, 2007

Green Articles

I just found a great resource. Filled with lots of articles about green living and sustainability. Click here to read some.

Labels: , ,

Monday, July 2, 2007

All the Elves Have Been Hard at Work!


All in the last week....

Nicky applied lime plaster to the basement wall below the stairs. Of course lime plaster is much better for your walls than regular plaster, and allows them to breathe and drink when thirsty, but who knew it could look so luscious! The texture of it is eyeball heaven. It has a lively color and richness to it that is unsurpassed by any other plaster. It's so beautiful you have to restrain yourself from licking the walls!

At the beginning of the week, the room that is now a fully functional bathroom looked like this: A misty realm devoid of life, fit only for mists and invented creatures...

Until Nora saved it: she plastered the floors, scored them to look like large tiles, and applied a gorgeous treatment to them that made them look old and time-worn. Nora is the artist who did the stunning interiors of The River Tavern, and as always, she worked her magic well. She's one of our instructors for the Historic Paint and Interior Finishes Workshop. So for those of you who come to the workshop, maybe she'll teach you how she did this incredible face-lift in our basement. Check back tomorrow for photos of the bathroom as it is now. You won't believe your eyes. I don't.

Labels: , , , , ,