The ornaments were probably molded of a mixture of minerals and linseed oil, called "composition" that was commonly used to make ornamental applied moldings on walls and even furniture. I've seen catalogs from the Victorian Era you could order from.
I think you are exactly right. There is a great preservation brief by the US Department of Interior about these pieces, I've just never run across one myself. the process hasn't changed much in over a hundred years. Most repairs are done with plaster because it is easier to mold and work with for these small segments. It makes sense that these are "composition" because it could be easily bent before curing so working on the curved cornices would have been easy to do using the same molds for the flat cornices.
i would disagree, linseed oil does not make that kind of cracking and seeing how you lifted the pieces that "clunked" off... seems way too light for mineral-linseed oil.
Do casting of these and sell them!!!!! They would be a great fund raiser!!!! I would buy some to do a cornice for my home!!! Not one single one but pieces so one could do their own design!
Its great that you and your team of volunteers are able to think about/ get stuck into the interior decorating (the fun stuff) after years of essential repair/ structural stabilising. The work you've all already done has saved this impressive home from certain destruction. A gem of good in these turbulent times...keep it up :-).
Thanks. We may be jumping the gun a little but it is fun to work on other projects and get out of the basement some. Especially on low/no cost things that can be done over time.
I think all these bits should be 3D scanned and recomposited digitally. I don't think cobbling together one 'complete' original cornice is the answer, because you will have some elements that are missing on both, and some elements that are present on both. If you have a digital model, you could easily create a mirror image of sections that are missing on both pelmets, and 3D print that piece for a silicone mold/cast.
I've spent the past few days watching EVERY episode. This morning, I was bummed when I finished the last one. Only to see this one was posted... 1 minute ago. Perfect timing. Keep up the good work. 😁
You must have a strong constitution to have made it through every episode! Thanks for watching, every view helps us in our restoration efforts. Spreading the word about this amazing house is so important. We try to get a vidoe out every Sunday.
The Lucas Apartments has so much going on it's crazy sometimes, but I've never had a bad feeling. I've given them names and chat with them when I'm there alone.
Seeing the detail on the cornices and the frame restorations was amazing. Your explanation on how to remold and recast the missing pieces was informative.
The proof will be in the actual molding process. It's not hard to do, just time consuming. I have a feeling these will be on my dining room table for a long time.
I admire you for attempting to tackle such an intricate chore of restoring those beautiful cornices. I'm sure you will do your due diligence of researching what is necessary to do the job properly. You have always done your best. Good luck. I will enjoy seeing the finished work!
Thanks for the vote of confidence. This process isn't particularly hard or involved, just tedious. The US Department of Interior has a great preservation brief on the subject. They are my go to place to start researching.
I would stick the bits back in the original location, clean everything then take silicone moulds of the missing areas,. Personally II would do it on a part by part method, over doing a big mould (less to go wrong) The rough bits on the end are to avoid the picture rail the mirror on the photo is hanging from.👍👍
I think you are right that smaller peices would be easier to do. It's just going to take some time but there's no hurry. These won't go back up in the house until we get some climate control and that could be a long time coming.
Those cornices are gorgeous, you’re right when you say it’s a tedious job, but fun at the same time. And I would love to hear to stories of the Lucas house and the strange goings on there.
I need to do a long video about the Lucas Apartments. It has an incredibly interesting history. I wish I had documented the restoration work there but I do have lots of photos and some spooky tales.
I think the applied fretwork is Syroco-Wood dust and flour mixed-looks like the material my Lux bobbing bird clocks are made of-----Syroco wood is a specialized wood pulp material that was created from a combination of ingredients (wood pulp and flour, to name a few). Thanks to their specific composition, the Syroco company could press the material into compression molds, which would solidify into shapes that resembled carved wood.
In the UK you would call these pelmets as they were supposed to hide curtain fixings. They would have been spectacular and probably gilded too! Looking forward to seeing how you restore them, not a small or easy undertaking, I would think…
I haven't seen any sign of these being gilded but then again, I haven't cleaned them up yet. They would be spectacular if they were. I think it's going to be a really fun project. I've never heard the word pelmet before, I've learned something new.😀
I love following your journey and this kind of project really keeps the creativity flowing.. I mean it's all a full on creative endeavour, the whole house, but these kind of details are so fascinating, a real snap shot of how much effort they put into making so many special elements... be really interesting to know what the mouldings were made of ... and now I'm itching to give it all a detailed, careful clean, looks like they were painted or varnished ? Ah I'm so envious... its fun for me to imagine how I would go about restoring it ! Many thanks and good luck with it, might be good to get some expert advice on how to go about it ? So many new products now to make things easier. Also wondering if can do a laser scan and 3D model type thing ?... Many thanks to you both (shout out to Jo on the camera !)
It is nice to get to work on some so pretty and not just deal with rotted wood and termites. Just posting this video has led me to a number of experts who can help with finding the best molding materials. I've already watched a ton of videos. There is so much information available and not all of it is good so it takes a while to process it all but there's no rush on this project. Jo says hi!
They look like some kind of composite material. I would see if you could consult with Thomas Johnson antique furniture restoration. He does incredible restoration work. The guys over at Brick in the Yard might be able to help with the molding. They are in Richardson Texas, and may be willing to help. Keep up the good work.
You are a blessing and a curse. I spent my entire day watching videos on the Brick in the Yard website and I don't really need to know how to make realistic hands or skin. I've only got 320 more videos to go. It was labor day so I guess it kept me from working. Those guys are amazing. I am definitely going to give them a call. I have several other projects that require specialty molding and they seem to know how to do it all. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh how I wish I could come back down in October for you special events. Sounds like so much fun. Can't wait to see what the paranormal investigators find.
The cornices are really beautiful. It is a shame they are so damaged. The good news is that it is an easy fix, just tedious. Thanks for watching and supporting our efforts.
They are going to take forever, there's five of them in total that need to be done. I will probably have to do a combination of plaster for molding and clay for sculpting. There will be some trial and error in the beginning to see what works best.
I think it will be but it's one I can do a little here and there. They won't be going back up anytime soon. They are something I can work on with a broken ankle for sure.
Those cornices are beautiful! I wonder if Siansonea is on to something…. Maybe you could find someone to do a 3D scan and recreate the missing pieces… aGlad you can stay inside some, way to hot out there!! ❤😊
I'm happy to be inside too. We don't have a choice but to work outside this weekend and next and the heat is still here. It's not good. I think it would be fun to explore what could be done with 3D printing.
It might be able to 3 d print the decorations to repair these corniness. With computer technology you can reverse motifs to mirror where necessary so you could print off the missing parts. Even create motifs that are entirely missing
Being able to reverse the pattern would certainly be easier with 3D printing than hand sculpting. I just love technology. We are looking at 3D printing for a different project at the house.
Just a suggestion.... I've had to work on many projects on my dining room table (what I'd give for a workshop) and I place mover's blankets over the surface of the table, they hang over the sides and don't move as much.
That would be better than what I have, just a canvas drop cloth. My table already looks like it went through a war, it doesn't need anymore dings. It never got refinished after our house flooded in Hurricane Harvey. That's a big project for another day.
I believe these were gilt not just dull gold paint when new. They may have had gold paint applied over the origional gilt when the whale and bunny cravings were put on.
@leaguekempnerhouse may I suggest that you leave one cornice filled in with the old “replacements” to show previous/historic repair attempts? Or re-mold one of them as it is and then plaster cast it and put it downstairs with the ‘whales’ in place. One of my favorite things about restoration processes is seeing changes in technology/temporization.
I'm definitely saving the whales and doing something with them. These videos are so time consuming to make but I do love how it documents the process and changes. I like seeing the before and after state, too. If everything was perfect no one could appreciate how far this house came.
I bet they were originally gilt bronze but as repairs have been attempted they simply painted them. I love you have the knowledge to properly restore them. They're magnificent! If you decide to 3d them, I'd love to purchase the plans. I would love to create a large mirror surround with the pieces/parts!!!
I am hoping that as these get cleaned I will be able to tell if they were gilt or just painted. I am assuming that in either case they were much brighter and the varnish over them has darkened with age. I don't want them to be shiney new again but maybe somewhere in the middle. That is a great idea to sell the pattern or at least recast some of the components. Once the molds are made it should be easy to do.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I'm so happy you like the idea of sharing! I thought about the too shiny dilemma as well which is why I thought of bronze. More subdued than either gold or silver, more old world glamor glimmer
It was interesting to hear the stories of the lives in the house, and yes, the lights and beeps were going off on the equipment, in some areas, like the children's nursery upstairs! The museum is a local historical home of importance.
I beg your pardon. He is a French sow. His tail gets decorated for holidays. He is th only thin my husband wanted from his grandmother's house, so he gets a place of honor. I'm glad you like him.
Are the other cornices of the same design?.... maybe take some molds from them if they're not too curved. A silicon mold of the entire thing would be a huge undertaking.... piece by piece would be easier
I've given up on the larger mold size. I agree that lots of little ones will be easier. The curved cornices are of the same design so even if I can't mold from them I can see what it looks like to sculpt the missing pieces. I'm heading to Galveston tomorrow and want to looke at the curved ones again. My recollection is that they are in much better shape.
Here in Australia these items would be called pelmets... A pelmet is a decorative cover that hides the top of curtains so you don't see the rods and brackets...we also have them above inside sliding doors to hide the track and wheels. Cornice for us in Australia is the decorative pieces that connects a ceiling to the wall...I believe you guys in the US call this crown moulding...just like you guys call the bottom equivalent base boards while we in Australia call them skirting boards.
Thanks for the language lesson. I find the different terms interesting, even here in the US there is so much regional variation. What every term used, these are going to be stunning when they get to go back up. I haven't had any time to continue the work on them other than to test out some silicone molding compound and a plaster cast. It turned out pretty well but I thought it was a little stiff so I might try another brand or type.
I think the deterioration here is caused by heat, which you have plenty of in Texas, esp recently. It almost looks like the composition material that was used contracted and shrank, producing all those cracks, and 'bled out" some varnish - or perhaps the linseed oil it was made from - probably from being near the hot ceiling of the house.
It looks like alot of work to me. Especially since there are 5 of those. I admire your tenacity to restore them. But i was wondering if you plan on fabricating the peices that fit in the side and went around the room. I imagine it looked awesome back in the day.
I think it might be easier to cast sections in silicone instead of the entire cornice. Peeling everything off and trying to reassemble a mostly complete one seems complicated and has a higher risk of damage. There are products like silicone molding putty that can do all but the tightest of crevices if you go that route. SteadyCrafting has some good youtube videos on using silicone molds to restore or remake old action figures. Also I wonder if apoxie sculpt is archival quality? If it is, that might be a good product to look into for the completely missing sections, or at least recreating them for casting.
Thanks, I will check out the videos and look at apoxie sculpt. There are so many good products on the market today. I think I've decided to go with molding the smaller pieces before they get glued back on. It seems like the easiest route and it will be fun to have the molds in case we want to use them for something else.
It doesn't show well in the vidoe, but there is no evidence that these were ever gold leafed. It just appears to be a dull gold toned paint that was probably shellaced over. The shellac has probably darkened with age.
Gold paint sounds about right. JC League wanted downstairs to be a "wow factor", but he clearly didn't have quite as much dough as the Greshams down the block, since the bishop's palace is just over the top in every way--particularly the parquet floors and carved wooden paneling on the ground floor and staircase. I think League was trying to give a similar opulent look without totally breaking the bank. Hence molded (not carved) decoration painted gold seems the most probable option. Also, his stained glass was bigger than anyone else, but less complicated in design than in the Moody mansion or Bishop's palace. So multiple ways I see League going for a "wow" on a budget, which of course is particularly apparent upstairs.
I'm concerned the original pieces break trying to release them from glue. Maybe some restoration to strengthen the original pieces before removing? You may be interested in an excellent mould making video named "Making Original Wall Mouldings for the Chateau Bedroom" He compared some products and reveals what worked best. Start around the 7 min marker.
The pieces are actually incredibly tough and hard. They have come apart due to the shrinking of the material they were made of, that's why they are in pieces. The pieces themselves are not fragile at all but I'm not sure how they would fare if they fell off from 14 feet up in the air. That's why they all need to be glued securely down. I will check out the video you recommended. I've been watching a lot of them, there are so many new products on the market to work with. I'm not in any rush. This cornice probably won't go back up for a year or two at best.
Hi Wende, there has to be a story behind you new handle.😄 I think this would be a fun project for a 3D scanner. We are looking at doing some exterior pieces with 3D printing. Lots of options these days.
I would guess it is sawdust and papier machie... due to a. cracks, b. color of the material, and C. "shred" tissues seen when material was separated.. "not clean break but like separation tissues". but definitely mold cast. probably in wax carved wooden master(s), thus giving the final appearance of carved wood.
I'm going to have to do a lot more research to know for sure what this was made of. It cracked apart but the pieces themselve are very hard and tough. Do you know if there is a way to positively identify the material?
@@leaguekempnerhouse bit difficult to identify many old piece materials. hardness with papier maiche is use of glue on the surface, linseed is sometime used (frowned on with papier mache due to fire starting potential). all i can say is weight of the material vs volume is first clue. volume in your case is going to be real difficult to ascertain, without using liquid medium (again avoid water anyway). in old time, molding material commonly used is plaster of paris (gypsum), plaster (Lime), papier maiche-sawdust, clay-sand. Linseed oil recently referenced is with sand, clay or sand like material- not organic material. seeing your lovely (but sad condition) cornice, with molding on wood backing with awfully weak glue... two molding material might match .. papier mache or plaster. both do not bind well to "wood" without required medium in between (aka primer in today standards). did you say you think cornices is 1900' made piece, not same time as building is built?
From what I've been able to find out so far it is some kind of composite in a lindseed oil base. Apparently is was a cheaper alternative to carved wood.
Please consult with a professional restorer to see how to proceed. Someone may volunteer to restore them for you. It looks like the original pieces that are left will not hold up if you try to remove them.
They are actually very tough, just not glued down well as age has deteriorated the original glue. The restoration processis not complex, just tedious and not to be rushed. It's the same basic process as decorative plaster restoration.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I had forgotten you had background in this area as your dad owned an art supply store and you worked with him. We learned about it during the found picture frame video.
Thanks! We learned something new today! Already started the RUclips journey to figure out how to make composition resin. =) This was the first video we found. ruclips.net/video/YdOmGPDwsUM/видео.html
These early cornices are quite valuable. They REALLY requires a proffessional restorer (someone who does picture frame restoration). They can recast or sculpt missing pieces. GIven the value of these? This really isnt a DIY project and I encourage you to get with an expert (your local muesum may be able to suggest someone),
Thanks for the vote of conficence Joshua. This really isn't a very technical process. The hardest part will be color matching. I've done lots of these.
Miss Janie, I was watching another channel where they were trying to duplicate mouldings. It didn't work out with plaster. They ended up using what they called a "craft resin" and they turned out beautifully. I don't know if it's okay with you to post another channel's video, but I so want your cornices to turn out with little muss and fuss! (Delete this comment if you want, I'll understand.) ruclips.net/video/P8IUlql12nU/видео.htmlsi=QDiA_BrjYopmEH4s
The ornaments were probably molded of a mixture of minerals and linseed oil, called "composition" that was commonly used to make ornamental applied moldings on walls and even furniture. I've seen catalogs from the Victorian Era you could order from.
I think you are exactly right. There is a great preservation brief by the US Department of Interior about these pieces, I've just never run across one myself. the process hasn't changed much in over a hundred years. Most repairs are done with plaster because it is easier to mold and work with for these small segments. It makes sense that these are "composition" because it could be easily bent before curing so working on the curved cornices would have been easy to do using the same molds for the flat cornices.
Good thing about Composition is it is flexible before it sets, so you can bend it over curves
i would disagree, linseed oil does not make that kind of cracking and seeing how you lifted the pieces that "clunked" off... seems way too light for mineral-linseed oil.
The parts could be scanned and then 3D printed. The digital scan could be reversed to help you fill in mirrored areas.
I hope there's someone in the Houston area with such a scanner to read these comments and volunteer to help.
That sure would be an easy way to get the mirror images.
Do casting of these and sell them!!!!! They would be a great fund raiser!!!! I would buy some to do a cornice for my home!!! Not one single one but pieces so one could do their own design!
What a great idea. I have to make mold of all the pieces anyway and they can be reused over and over.
Its great that you and your team of volunteers are able to think about/ get stuck into the interior decorating (the fun stuff) after years of essential repair/ structural stabilising. The work you've all already done has saved this impressive home from certain destruction. A gem of good in these turbulent times...keep it up :-).
Thanks. We may be jumping the gun a little but it is fun to work on other projects and get out of the basement some. Especially on low/no cost things that can be done over time.
I think all these bits should be 3D scanned and recomposited digitally. I don't think cobbling together one 'complete' original cornice is the answer, because you will have some elements that are missing on both, and some elements that are present on both. If you have a digital model, you could easily create a mirror image of sections that are missing on both pelmets, and 3D print that piece for a silicone mold/cast.
Really good idea
3D technology is amazing. We are already looking at it to replace some damaged elements on the roof. This could be a good candidate too!
Perfect activity for a day when it's 100 degrees.
It is. It's nice to work inside for a change.
I've spent the past few days watching EVERY episode. This morning, I was bummed when I finished the last one. Only to see this one was posted... 1 minute ago. Perfect timing. Keep up the good work. 😁
You must have a strong constitution to have made it through every episode! Thanks for watching, every view helps us in our restoration efforts. Spreading the word about this amazing house is so important. We try to get a vidoe out every Sunday.
Great job on the cornices.please be careful with the paranormal. You may attract some negative energy that you don’t want.
The Lucas Apartments has so much going on it's crazy sometimes, but I've never had a bad feeling. I've given them names and chat with them when I'm there alone.
Those cornices are just gorgeous.
Seeing the detail on the cornices and the frame restorations was amazing. Your explanation on how to remold and recast the missing pieces was informative.
The proof will be in the actual molding process. It's not hard to do, just time consuming. I have a feeling these will be on my dining room table for a long time.
u just can t beat them ol vice grips
No you can't. They've saved me many of time.
thats how u fix fords baling wire and vice gripps i ve got some made when they first were made in dewitt ne now made in china sad
I admire you for attempting to tackle such an intricate chore of restoring those beautiful cornices. I'm sure you will do your due diligence of researching what is necessary to do the job properly. You have always done your best. Good luck. I will enjoy seeing the finished work!
Thanks for the vote of confidence. This process isn't particularly hard or involved, just tedious. The US Department of Interior has a great preservation brief on the subject. They are my go to place to start researching.
I would stick the bits back in the original location, clean everything then take silicone moulds of the missing areas,. Personally II would do it on a part by part method, over doing a big mould (less to go wrong) The rough bits on the end are to avoid the picture rail the mirror on the photo is hanging from.👍👍
I think you are right that smaller peices would be easier to do. It's just going to take some time but there's no hurry. These won't go back up in the house until we get some climate control and that could be a long time coming.
Those cornices are gorgeous, you’re right when you say it’s a tedious job, but fun at the same time. And I would love to hear to stories of the Lucas house and the strange goings on there.
I need to do a long video about the Lucas Apartments. It has an incredibly interesting history. I wish I had documented the restoration work there but I do have lots of photos and some spooky tales.
Your knowledge, patience, creativity and productivity is (are?) prodigious!! and now even haunting investigations to look forward to!! 👏😍👻
I'm glad you didn't add knowledge of grammar to that list - I'm clueless.😄 I think the paranormal investigation will be fun.
I think the applied fretwork is Syroco-Wood dust and flour mixed-looks like the material my Lux bobbing bird clocks are made of-----Syroco wood is a specialized wood pulp material that was created from a combination of ingredients (wood pulp and flour, to name a few). Thanks to their specific composition, the Syroco company could press the material into compression molds, which would solidify into shapes that resembled carved wood.
I haven't heard of that before. I'm sure I will end up going down the rabbit hole researching that. I find all of this so interesting.
In the UK you would call these pelmets as they were supposed to hide curtain fixings. They would have been spectacular and probably gilded too! Looking forward to seeing how you restore them, not a small or easy undertaking, I would think…
I haven't seen any sign of these being gilded but then again, I haven't cleaned them up yet. They would be spectacular if they were. I think it's going to be a really fun project. I've never heard the word pelmet before, I've learned something new.😀
The whale and bunny had me laughing. It brought to mind being a kid and laying in the yard finding patterns and figures in the clouds. 😂 loved it!
That's exactly what it was like. Somebody went to a lot of trouble to carve those.
I love following your journey and this kind of project really keeps the creativity flowing.. I mean it's all a full on creative endeavour, the whole house, but these kind of details are so fascinating, a real snap shot of how much effort they put into making so many special elements... be really interesting to know what the mouldings were made of ... and now I'm itching to give it all a detailed, careful clean, looks like they were painted or varnished ? Ah I'm so envious... its fun for me to imagine how I would go about restoring it ! Many thanks and good luck with it, might be good to get some expert advice on how to go about it ? So many new products now to make things easier. Also wondering if can do a laser scan and 3D model type thing ?... Many thanks to you both (shout out to Jo on the camera !)
It is nice to get to work on some so pretty and not just deal with rotted wood and termites. Just posting this video has led me to a number of experts who can help with finding the best molding materials. I've already watched a ton of videos. There is so much information available and not all of it is good so it takes a while to process it all but there's no rush on this project. Jo says hi!
They look like some kind of composite material. I would see if you could consult with Thomas Johnson antique furniture restoration. He does incredible restoration work. The guys over at Brick in the Yard might be able to help with the molding. They are in Richardson Texas, and may be willing to help. Keep up the good work.
You are a blessing and a curse. I spent my entire day watching videos on the Brick in the Yard website and I don't really need to know how to make realistic hands or skin. I've only got 320 more videos to go. It was labor day so I guess it kept me from working. Those guys are amazing. I am definitely going to give them a call. I have several other projects that require specialty molding and they seem to know how to do it all. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh how I wish I could come back down in October for you special events. Sounds like so much fun. Can't wait to see what the paranormal investigators find.
I'm excited to see if anything turns up. It should be fun. I'll try to take lots of vidoe.
I always look for Sundays to watch the latest updates. You inspire me, and I think what you are doing is incredibly important.❤❤😂
Thank you so much! It really is a privil😀ege to get to work on this amazing house.
What beautiful carvings. It will be a joy to watch you arrive at the finished product no matter how long it takes.
It's going to take some time but the end result will be worth it.
Those cornices are just amazing. I can't believe how heavy they are. Great job on the frames you restored. Thanks so much for sharing.
The cornices are really beautiful. It is a shame they are so damaged. The good news is that it is an easy fix, just tedious. Thanks for watching and supporting our efforts.
Those pieces are beautiful.
I think so too! It is a shame that they became so damaged, but at least they can be fixed.
Those are going to take forever! Clay? Ceramic? Yes, like Kaleb did with the medallion.
They are going to take forever, there's five of them in total that need to be done. I will probably have to do a combination of plaster for molding and clay for sculpting. There will be some trial and error in the beginning to see what works best.
That looks like a very time intensive project. Good luck
I think it will be but it's one I can do a little here and there. They won't be going back up anytime soon. They are something I can work on with a broken ankle for sure.
Use a vacuum as well to clean in the groves and crevices with that brush.
I thought of that but was afraid I'd suck up some of the smaller loose pieces. It may be time for dental pics and small paintbrushes.
Those cornices are beautiful! I wonder if Siansonea is on to something…. Maybe you could find someone to do a 3D scan and recreate the missing pieces… aGlad you can stay inside some, way to hot out there!! ❤😊
I'm happy to be inside too. We don't have a choice but to work outside this weekend and next and the heat is still here. It's not good. I think it would be fun to explore what could be done with 3D printing.
It might be able to 3 d print the decorations to repair these corniness. With computer technology you can reverse motifs to mirror where necessary so you could print off the missing parts. Even create motifs that are entirely missing
Being able to reverse the pattern would certainly be easier with 3D printing than hand sculpting. I just love technology. We are looking at 3D printing for a different project at the house.
Just a suggestion.... I've had to work on many projects on my dining room table (what I'd give for a workshop) and I place mover's blankets over the surface of the table, they hang over the sides and don't move as much.
That would be better than what I have, just a canvas drop cloth. My table already looks like it went through a war, it doesn't need anymore dings. It never got refinished after our house flooded in Hurricane Harvey. That's a big project for another day.
Looks like a great long term project. It would be wonderful if someone with access to a 3-D printer would volunteer.
That would be cool!
I bet Mike from Australia would love to get his hands on those cornices! When is he coming over?
Mike could probably make them from scratch. I think he's coming over in the spring. I can't wait! He's amazing.
I believe these were gilt not just dull gold paint when new. They may have had gold paint applied over the origional gilt when the whale and bunny cravings were put on.
I'm not sure yet. I'm hopeing that as I get them cleaned up a little bit I will be able to tell.
@leaguekempnerhouse may I suggest that you leave one cornice filled in with the old “replacements” to show previous/historic repair attempts? Or re-mold one of them as it is and then plaster cast it and put it downstairs with the ‘whales’ in place. One of my favorite things about restoration processes is seeing changes in technology/temporization.
I'm definitely saving the whales and doing something with them. These videos are so time consuming to make but I do love how it documents the process and changes. I like seeing the before and after state, too. If everything was perfect no one could appreciate how far this house came.
That looks like a Manatee!
I know! I love manatees.
I bet they were originally gilt bronze but as repairs have been attempted they simply painted them. I love you have the knowledge to properly restore them. They're magnificent! If you decide to 3d them, I'd love to purchase the plans. I would love to create a large mirror surround with the pieces/parts!!!
I am hoping that as these get cleaned I will be able to tell if they were gilt or just painted. I am assuming that in either case they were much brighter and the varnish over them has darkened with age. I don't want them to be shiney new again but maybe somewhere in the middle. That is a great idea to sell the pattern or at least recast some of the components. Once the molds are made it should be easy to do.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I'm so happy you like the idea of sharing! I thought about the too shiny dilemma as well which is why I thought of bronze. More subdued than either gold or silver, more old world glamor glimmer
Very interesting ❤
Very! They are going to be beautiful when restored.
Oh, that's cool, paranormal investigation. I went to one at a local museum in my area,
How was the one you went to?
It was interesting to hear the stories of the lives in the house, and yes, the lights and beeps were going off on the equipment, in some areas, like the children's nursery upstairs! The museum is a local historical home of importance.
Love your pig.
I beg your pardon. He is a French sow. His tail gets decorated for holidays. He is th only thin my husband wanted from his grandmother's house, so he gets a place of honor. I'm glad you like him.
Awesome!!! I would love to see if I could get some EVP's. I wish I could go for the events!
There's no telling what's going to happen. I will take lots of video for those who can't attend.
Are the other cornices of the same design?.... maybe take some molds from them if they're not too curved. A silicon mold of the entire thing would be a huge undertaking.... piece by piece would be easier
I've given up on the larger mold size. I agree that lots of little ones will be easier. The curved cornices are of the same design so even if I can't mold from them I can see what it looks like to sculpt the missing pieces. I'm heading to Galveston tomorrow and want to looke at the curved ones again. My recollection is that they are in much better shape.
Here in Australia these items would be called pelmets... A pelmet is a decorative cover that hides the top of curtains so you don't see the rods and brackets...we also have them above inside sliding doors to hide the track and wheels.
Cornice for us in Australia is the decorative pieces that connects a ceiling to the wall...I believe you guys in the US call this crown moulding...just like you guys call the bottom equivalent base boards while we in Australia call them skirting boards.
Thanks for the language lesson. I find the different terms interesting, even here in the US there is so much regional variation. What every term used, these are going to be stunning when they get to go back up. I haven't had any time to continue the work on them other than to test out some silicone molding compound and a plaster cast. It turned out pretty well but I thought it was a little stiff so I might try another brand or type.
I think the deterioration here is caused by heat, which you have plenty of in Texas, esp recently. It almost looks like the composition material that was used contracted and shrank, producing all those cracks, and 'bled out" some varnish - or perhaps the linseed oil it was made from - probably from being near the hot ceiling of the house.
You are exactly right. The linseed oils keeps drying out over time and this climate is brutal.
It looks like alot of work to me. Especially since there are 5 of those. I admire your tenacity to restore them. But i was wondering if you plan on fabricating the peices that fit in the side and went around the room. I imagine it looked awesome back in the day.
The trim molding is still on the wall. It had been so long since we took these down that I had forgotton. Yay, one less thing to do.
Yes they can. You should have a volunteer that can do that job
Once we figure out the best process to use this would be a great project for some of our volunteers.
Nice work
Thanks. It should be fun to work on.
I think it might be easier to cast sections in silicone instead of the entire cornice. Peeling everything off and trying to reassemble a mostly complete one seems complicated and has a higher risk of damage. There are products like silicone molding putty that can do all but the tightest of crevices if you go that route. SteadyCrafting has some good youtube videos on using silicone molds to restore or remake old action figures. Also I wonder if apoxie sculpt is archival quality? If it is, that might be a good product to look into for the completely missing sections, or at least recreating them for casting.
Thanks, I will check out the videos and look at apoxie sculpt. There are so many good products on the market today. I think I've decided to go with molding the smaller pieces before they get glued back on. It seems like the easiest route and it will be fun to have the molds in case we want to use them for something else.
I wonder if these were originally gilded at one point and over time the gold leaf shriveled and tarnished hence why it looks all blackened and burnt.
It doesn't show well in the vidoe, but there is no evidence that these were ever gold leafed. It just appears to be a dull gold toned paint that was probably shellaced over. The shellac has probably darkened with age.
Gold paint sounds about right. JC League wanted downstairs to be a "wow factor", but he clearly didn't have quite as much dough as the Greshams down the block, since the bishop's palace is just over the top in every way--particularly the parquet floors and carved wooden paneling on the ground floor and staircase.
I think League was trying to give a similar opulent look without totally breaking the bank. Hence molded (not carved) decoration painted gold seems the most probable option.
Also, his stained glass was bigger than anyone else, but less complicated in design than in the Moody mansion or Bishop's palace. So multiple ways I see League going for a "wow" on a budget, which of course is particularly apparent upstairs.
I'm concerned the original pieces break trying to release them from glue. Maybe some restoration to strengthen the original pieces before removing?
You may be interested in an excellent mould making video named "Making Original Wall Mouldings for the Chateau Bedroom" He compared some products and reveals what worked best. Start around the 7 min marker.
The pieces are actually incredibly tough and hard. They have come apart due to the shrinking of the material they were made of, that's why they are in pieces. The pieces themselves are not fragile at all but I'm not sure how they would fare if they fell off from 14 feet up in the air. That's why they all need to be glued securely down. I will check out the video you recommended. I've been watching a lot of them, there are so many new products on the market to work with. I'm not in any rush. This cornice probably won't go back up for a year or two at best.
This might be made in a similar way to Lincrusta, linseed oil, sawdust and other ingredients put into a mold.
Exactly! Unfortunately, that's why everything is so shrunken and cracked. But at least it can be fixed.
I wonder if someone can scan it and 3-D print the missing pieces? Oh and this is Wende Kelly. Lol my hubby changed the name on my account
Hi Wende, there has to be a story behind you new handle.😄 I think this would be a fun project for a 3D scanner. We are looking at doing some exterior pieces with 3D printing. Lots of options these days.
make latex molds from the pieces that are complete and cast in a repro composition
I'm going to need to do a lot more research into the composition techniques. It is very interesting.
I would guess it is sawdust and papier machie... due to a. cracks, b. color of the material, and C. "shred" tissues seen when material was separated.. "not clean break but like separation tissues".
but definitely mold cast. probably in wax carved wooden master(s), thus giving the final appearance of carved wood.
I'm going to have to do a lot more research to know for sure what this was made of. It cracked apart but the pieces themselve are very hard and tough. Do you know if there is a way to positively identify the material?
@@leaguekempnerhouse bit difficult to identify many old piece materials.
hardness with papier maiche is use of glue on the surface, linseed is sometime used (frowned on with papier mache due to fire starting potential).
all i can say is weight of the material vs volume is first clue. volume in your case is going to be real difficult to ascertain, without using liquid medium (again avoid water anyway).
in old time, molding material commonly used is plaster of paris (gypsum), plaster (Lime), papier maiche-sawdust, clay-sand. Linseed oil recently referenced is with sand, clay or sand like material- not organic material.
seeing your lovely (but sad condition) cornice, with molding on wood backing with awfully weak glue... two molding material might match .. papier mache or plaster. both do not bind well to "wood" without required medium in between (aka primer in today standards).
did you say you think cornices is 1900' made piece, not same time as building is built?
Pressed composite wood?
From what I've been able to find out so far it is some kind of composite in a lindseed oil base. Apparently is was a cheaper alternative to carved wood.
Please consult with a professional restorer to see how to proceed. Someone may volunteer to restore them for you. It looks like the original pieces that are left will not hold up if you try to remove them.
They are actually very tough, just not glued down well as age has deteriorated the original glue. The restoration processis not complex, just tedious and not to be rushed. It's the same basic process as decorative plaster restoration.
@@leaguekempnerhouse I had forgotten you had background in this area as your dad owned an art supply store and you worked with him.
We learned about it during the found picture frame video.
You need a small vacuum form machine
That's an idea.
Thanks! We learned something new today! Already started the RUclips journey to figure out how to make composition resin. =) This was the first video we found. ruclips.net/video/YdOmGPDwsUM/видео.html
Find someone willing to 3D scan it and then have someone 3D print it.
That would be really interesting.
These early cornices are quite valuable. They REALLY requires a proffessional restorer (someone who does picture frame restoration). They can recast or sculpt missing pieces. GIven the value of these? This really isnt a DIY project and I encourage you to get with an expert (your local muesum may be able to suggest someone),
I agree.
This is definitely not a DIY project
Jeanie does have experience restoring picture frames, though.
Thanks for the vote of conficence Joshua. This really isn't a very technical process. The hardest part will be color matching. I've done lots of these.
Miss Janie, I was watching another channel where they were trying to duplicate mouldings. It didn't work out with plaster. They ended up using what they called a "craft resin" and they turned out beautifully. I don't know if it's okay with you to post another channel's video, but I so want your cornices to turn out with little muss and fuss! (Delete this comment if you want, I'll understand.) ruclips.net/video/P8IUlql12nU/видео.htmlsi=QDiA_BrjYopmEH4s