“Our duty is to preserve what the past has had to say for itself, and to say for ourselves what shall be true for the future.” – John Ruskin
Experts in historic decoration, restoration, conservation, and creative expression in architectural arts.
John Canning Co.’s reputation for fine workmanship, high standards, and professionalism has allowed the historic restoration company to choose projects with owners, architects, and other trades interested in doing quality collaborative work.
This team approach has been successful for all involved. Canning Co. continues to grow, and the workforce of professional conservators and talented artisans expands to meet the demand for the company’s unique combination of extraordinary skill, respect for historic integrity, and sound business management.
PLANNING & DESIGN
The Canning Co. has built a reputation for innovation in solving difficult design and restoration problems.
Careful planning results in sequencing our work with other trades to deliver the project within budget and on time. We are known for project management, scheduling, and coordinating trades in ways that reduce risk when mitigating complex historic interiors and artwork restoration.
Our skills also includes the creation of architectural murals, furnishings, and new period decoration for landmarks and other interiors.
In situ mockups of original decoration can be the first step to overall client approval, and also serve as a vehicle for fundraising when appropriate.
Yarmouth New Church, Yarmouth Port, MA
CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION
We believe in and are guided by the principles of “do no harm”, and believe in the ability to solve problems and create new possibilities.
Canning Co. professional conservators carefully evaluate conditions, develop harmless cleaning solutions, reattach original paint where possible, and protect original artwork with reversible coatings. All of our work is thoroughly documented with photos and materials specifications, and include recommendations for ongoing maintenance.
Our philosophy – “do no harm” – is aligned with the code of ethics and guidelines published by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the governing trade association.
Luzerne County Courthouse, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County Courthouse, Wilkes-Barre, PA
HISTORIC PAINT ANALYSIS
Canning Co.’s comprehensive paint analysis process uncovers hidden period decoration, original colors, and finishes.
We conduct a thorough analysis of all architectural finishes, especially paint. Researching original documents, specifications, and early photos contribute to confirming the patterns revealed with mechanical and chemical exposures, and scientific analysis of all paint layers plus substrate is used to define original colors and finishes.
Our services are often requested by architects and owners to evaluate complex historic landmarks.
Waterbury City Hall, Waterbury, CT
PLASTER SURVEYS & STABILIZATION
Plaster
Surveys reveal the condition of ornamental and flat plaster substrates and define the steps needed to stabilize and repair them.
Repairing unstable, damaged plaster, and its support, particularly on an older or historic building, can only be successful with the right materials and approach. It’s important to stabilize first so that the repairs and restoration will stand the test of time.
Our accomplished, professional staff correctly assess and define the scope for preparing, restoring, and replacing plaster so that the surface is ideal for the planned decorative finish.
Michigan State Capitol, Lansing, MI
HISTORIC PLASTER CONSERVATION SERVICES
Our knowledge and expertise in historic plaster conservation allows us to provide problem-solving solutions for even the most complex projects.
HPCS (Historic Plaster Conservation Services) provides a suite of products to use as tools for consolidation of fragile plaster projects.
We implement the advanced technology of HPCS to save historic plaster by addressing the problem at its root - where the plaster meets its substrate.
Plaster Consolidation is the long-term solution to the plaster problems that historic structures often encounter. The HPCS treatment method dramatically strengthens and adheres plaster to its substrate, leaving the ceiling strong and maintenance free. This HPCS treatment method of consolidation effectively converts plaster and wood lath into a single unified system.
First Church of Christ Scientist, Boston, MA
DECORATIVE PAINTING & FINISHES
Restoring and creating period decoration requires the in-depth knowledge and skill that the Canning Co. is known for.
The Canning Co. decorative painting and traditional finishing skills include complex stenciling, trompe l’oeil, gilding, glazing, and simulated stone (marbling). Our knowledge of traditional materials and how they interact is also a key element when inpainting to match and replicate existing original work.
Our custom period designs reference past masterpieces by historical legendary designers. The fundamentals of our period design are based on the principles and are inspired by Owen Jones, John Ruskin, Alexander “Greek” Thomson, Augustus Pugin, Robert Adams, and many more.
Example of trompe l’oeil.
PLASTER RESTORATION
Restoring
and stabilizing plaster is
the first step to achieving lasting decorative paint and finishes.
The Canning Co. expertise in plaster restoration, stabilization, and replication is respected in the industry. We do everything from traditional 3-coat lime plaster, to replication of delicate period elements. Our skilled artisans are adept at running mould, ornamental, acoustic, and scagliola plaster fabrication methods.
Our work with plaster has evolved to include complex conservation and stabilization projects that other firms wouldn’t even attempt. By applying our creative problem-solving methods to the demands of failing plaster substrates, we have arrived at innovative solutions to demanding problems.
The Cosmos Club, Warne Ballroom, Washington, DC
WOOD RESTORATION
Historic wood paneling, railings, doors, and trim frame opulent decoration to complete the period design aesthetic.
Wood restoration involves conservation cleaning, repair and reversible coatings that restore the original color and detail without permanent alteration.
When a new, wood structure is called for it is often impossible to obtain the same species of wood as the original. In these cases, Canning Co. artisans replicate the grain and color with paint and glazes to achieve a perfect match to the original material.
Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University, CT
MASONRY & STONE RESTORATION
Inventing gentle ways to clean and restore stone.
Canning Co. conservators evaluate, test, and formulate custom cleaning agents for every kind of surface. The processes range from the repeated application by hand with natural sponges to a latex compound that encapsulates the debris in all the folds and decoration and, when dry, is peeled away bringing years of dirt with it.
Repairs to statues and stone are achieved using a variety of methods – carving, casting, and filling – each method requiring careful color and finish matching.
West Virginia State Capitol, Charleston, WV
ARCHITECTURAL & EXTERIOR GILDING
Gilding with gold, silver, and other metal leaf varieties is a Canning Co. specialty.
Atop the highest domes and inside iconic landmarks, churches, theatres, and residences, Canning Co. artisans have gilded them all – including the application and glazing of 180,000 square feet of gold and silver leaf in ten weeks at Radio City Music Hall. Gold Leaf is known for its durability. Even when exposed to the elements, domes gleam for decades.
SERVICES & SUPPORT FOR ALL STAGES OF A PROJECT
John Canning & Co. is the nation’s leading experts in historic restoration, conservation and preservation. Besides being a family run business with over 45 years’ experience we have built a reputation that stands above all others. Even though we are a smaller company, we outperform the larger firms by always bringing the expertise, professionalism, fine workmanship, attention to detail, highest standards, integrity and quality of work while completing projects on-time and within budget. We have a talented team which allows us the capability to coordinate complex work under extremely tight timeframes while delivering exceptional results. We are expert Preservation Problem Solvers that have built a reputation for innovation in solving difficult design and restoration problems while providing contracting services for all stages of historic restoration and conservation projects.
Consulting
Pre-Construction
Project Management
New Design
Restoration
Conservation & Preservation
Historic Plaster Conservation Services
Restoration, Research, Discovery & Design
Historic Structures Reports
Plaster Assessment & Surveys
Historic Paint Studies
Planning & Design
Fundraising & Consulting
Restoration Consultation
Ecclesiastical Design
Period Interiors
In Situ Mockups &
Watercolor Renderings
Commissioned Artwork
Traditional Decoration, Methods, & Materials
Murals & Fine Art
Decorative Painting
Stenciling & Trompe L’oeil
Faux Marbres & Faux Bois
Stone & Metal Restoration
Wood Restoration
Gilding & Glazing
Fine Art Conservation
Plaster Substrates
Ornamental Plaster
Casting, Fabrication, & Carving
Traditional Three-Coat Plaster
Traditional Lime Plaster
Consolidation & Reattachment
Scagliola
University of Michigan, Rackham Auditorium
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about John Canning & Company and the services we have to offer. We have always prided ourselves on setting a solid strategy to work within budgets and schedules. The planning and research we put into each project is unparalleled in the industry. We invite you to visit our website or contact us today for additional information: JohnCanningCo.com | 203-272-9868 | info@johncanningco.com
