Hell, David!

For objectivity, I'd suggest contacting Susan Tunick of the Friends of
Terra Cotta.  We all think we're experts, but we all rely on research,
testing, and investigation, usually in a team of experts.  Susan can be
your tour guide, but perhaps the New York folks have another opinion.
What do I know, living here in the Midwest??!!  On the other hand, I'd
love to see your problem buildings and strategize the best solutions, so
I'm game.  We just restored the terra cotta cornice and other pieces at
Hill Auditorium, and we think it turned out real pretty.  Boston Valley
Terra Cotta reproduced the missing/damaged pieces so that you can hardly
tell which ones they are, especially from the ground.  I'm most proud of
that piece of the Hill project, more than the coat hooks and seats.




QUINN EVANS | ARCHITECTS

Ilene R. Tyler, FAIA

219 1/2 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI  48104
[log in to unmask]
www.quinnevans.com
v 734.663.5888
f 734.663.5044

Subject: Glazed architectural terracotta

I'm working on several interesting projects at present involving glazed
terracotta cladding to buildings. Two of the buildings are of late 1920s
vintage, with ornate cornices and decorative elements, and one is 1950s,
with flat tiling. Heights range between 8 and 13 storeys.

Across the three buildings, I suspect that we have a
complete collection of problems associated with glazed terracotta
cladding.

I'm looking for some ideas in relation to a couple of
questions:

1. If you had to suggest one or two people who could
be considered to be 'experts' on the deterioration and conservation of
glazed architectural terracotta, who would they be (and how do I get in
touch with them)?

2. If I or a colleague was in New York, which
buildings with glazed architectural terracotta would
you suggest we look at with regard to the best (and
the worst) of conservation practices.  If anybody
could propose contacts to facilitate better than
'walk-by' viewings of these buildings, that would be
fantastic.

Cheers
david west

--
To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the
uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
<http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>