Preservation Brief 34, Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors: Preserving Composition Ornament

Summary

This is number thirty-four of 42 preservation briefs prepared by the Technical Preservation Services of the National Park Service. This brief focuses on preserving composition ornament, specifically applied decoration for historic interiors.

With proper understanding of the material, historic composition ornament may be successfully cleaned, repaired, or replaced in sections. Unfortunately, because composition is often misidentified as plaster, stucco, or carved wood, the use of inappropriate methods for removing paint is a major cause of its loss. The purpose of this Brief is to to assist historic property owners, managers, architects, craftsmen, and preservationists in identifying existing composition ornament, determining the extent of repair and replacement needed and, finally, selecting the most sensitive, non-destructive method of treating it.

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Cultural Resource Office, Joint Base San Antonio

Project Director(s): Kay D. Weeks

Repository(s): Fort Sam Houston

Prepared By(s): Technical Preservation Services, Heritage Preservation Services Program, National Park Service

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