Create Your First Project

Start adding your projects to your portfolio. Click on "Manage Projects" to get started

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

JBH BALLROOM

Project Type

Restoration + Conservation

Date

2022-2025

Location

St.Catharines, ON

Role

Project Manager, Conservator

The ballroom restoration has been an ongoing project to revive one of the house's most dynamic spaces. In 2022, I conducted the analysis and documentation of the original wallpaper in situ, carefully removing the layers before the partition walls were taken down in 2023. We are currently researching the wallpaper layers to better understand their designs and uncover insights about the families who lived in the John Brown House. The Brock course, focused on this research, is developing an augmented reality (AR) app to allow visitors to visualize the space as it appeared in different eras. The restoration also included reconstructing the entrance wall using traditional methods and materials, bringing this historic room closer to its original form.

Wallpaper Analysis

I began my time at TBH as a summer intern in 2022, focusing on the wallpaper in the Ballroom. My first task was to create a chronological chart of the wallpaper layers, documenting the order in which they were applied and their historical context.

Ballroom 1860s Partition Wall

This wall was built by the Chellew family to create another bedroom. The family purchased the home in 1958 and due to other improvements/additions added to the property the partition wall was assumed to be built sometime early in 1960.

Ballroom East Elevation, 2022

Wallpaper Scan

1940s Floral Frieze found in large bedroom on large partition wall.

Wallpaper Scan

1970s Floral found in landing space.

Wallpaper Scan

First discovered as a 1950s layer of dotted wallpaper featuring grey and white specks. During the removal of a light switch, we found the same wallpaper pattern, but with vibrant green, white, and gold flecks.

Wallpaper

This discovery highlighted the impact of light deterioration, which had caused significant fading and discoloration over time.

Ballroom Blueprint Evolution

Partition walls were constructed throughout the 200 years of the home, based on it's residence needs.

Ballroom Exterior

The poorly constructed entrance wall was removed first, to allow room for the large partition wall removal.

Stone Wall

The stone wall was repointed and left exposed. This wall was once an exterior wall, as it is the South wall of the original structure.

Partition Wall

The view from the doorway of both sides of the partition wall.

Partition Wall

The large partition wall prior to removal.

Partition Wall

Analyzing the structure of the wall and the best way for removal.

Partition Wall

A look at the wall construction.

Partition Wall Deconstruction

The partition wall was cut into three pieces.

Partition Wall Deconstruction

The second piece of wall.

Partition Wall Deconstruction

The pieces were strapped together and supported with foam and plywood on both sides to ensure their stability and protection during removal.

Partition Wall Deconstruction

The partition wall was carefully leaned over and taken down and laid flat on the ground.

Partition Wall

The partition wall was taken to storage for storage and will be re-erected in a new location when the TBH site is completed.

Ballroom

After the large partition wall was removed.

Preparing for Installation

Paul securing the lath on the ceiling to prepare the space for plank installation.

Plank Installation

The planks were installed in accordance to the spacing the planks in the wall downstairs in the dining room are.

Lath Making

Using a chisel and mallet, notches are carefully carved into the wood, causing cracks along the grain. This process creates multiple striations, allowing the plank to be pulled apart into an accordion-like panel.

Lath Making

Doug demonstrating the process of making accordion lath.

Lath Making

Doug demonstrating the process of making accordion lath.

Lath

Willowbank students marked a piece of lath with their names.

Lath Installation

A close up of the accordion lath.

Lath Installation

Plank and Accordion Lath Wall

Where the old and new walls meet.

Exterior Wall

Plank and accordion lath wall completed.

Plastering

Mixing horse hair into the first coat plaster mixture.

Plastering

Applying the first coat directly onto the lath.

Plastering

Applying the second coat of plaster onto the scratch coat.

Plastering

Demonstrating the three coat plaster recipe.

Willowbank Course, 2022

My class working on our Ballroom adaptive reuse project for our Historic Interiors class assignment.