Project Focus:
Camden United States Courthouse:
Camden, NJ
Finishes Conservation, Specifications Consultation

Elaborate finishescomposed of decorative stenciling and toned metallic ornamentation originally characterized the main Post Office Lobby and Ceremonial Courtroom of the Camden United States Courthouse.   By the time construction was set to begin in the spring of 1999, several previous studies had failed to confirm the nuances of decorative stenciling (which had been overpainted) as illustrated in original architectural drawings.  Additionally, while decorative schemes were preserved in the Ceremonial Courtroom, they had been inappropriately overcoated with polyurethane.  Noble Preservation worked in conjunction with Marianna Thomas Architects, MGA Partners and Keating Building Corporation to conduct finishes analyses for both rooms prior to writing specifications to guide their restoration.

Our study found evidence of decorative finishes, although neither in the pattern nor colors originally specified.   A series of on-site investigations and laboratory analyses confirmed that many finishes in the Ceremonial Courtroom had been overpainted, and that several beams retained their original (but severely discolored) finishes.  Our resulting recommendations for the room included conservation of salvageable finishes where possible and selective re-creation.

Decorative stenciling was originally specified on the sides and undersides of ceiling beams in the Post Office Lobby, but several later over-painting campaigns had obscured any evidence of their existence.  Over a period of several days, we stripped layer after layer from selected surfaces to expose the original finishes.  As with the Ceremonial Courtroom, we uncovered evidence of an elaborate scheme which differed from the original construction documents.  The earliest finishes consisted of a striking abstract agricultural theme composed with aluminum leaf and black paint.  Background colors were carried through to wall surfaces which unified the lobby's appearance.

Noble Preservation's finishes study provided the basis for defining an historically appropriate scope of work and provided color matches with which the original finish scheme was re-created.  We assisted in evaluating mock-ups and completed work to ensure that quality standards would be maintained throughout the project.

Microscopic examination of finish samples indicated that Dutch metal leaf was originally over-coated for certain details.

Noble Preservation selectively stripped beam surfaces to uncover original decorative patterns in the Post Office Lobby.