[log in to unmask] wrote:
 >>You got a point. However, if the owner's choice is between a more 
expensive copper or galvanized cornice and a less expensive fiberglass 
cornice, or no cornice for no money, I'd be inclined to offer him the 
fiberglass and hope he bites.  I don't see how you're gonna cram 
galvanized (or that you'd want to cram galvanized) or copper down his 
throat.<<

I'm not into crammin'. I don't even tell them what to do. I educate them 
and let them make their own decissions.

There are a lot of possibilites between a fiberglas cornice and no 
cornice, and some of them can lead directly to copper or galvi.

Here in Maine we had a building with 4 deteriorating Corinthian capitals 
and columns. Funds were very limited--just enough to install 4 plastic 
capitals that didn't really match the old; or, a little more than enough 
to restore one of the capitals with traditional methods and materials. 
So, we restored the worst one with the plasterer making a rubber mould 
and the one and a half capitals that fit the budget. The preservation 
carpenters installed the capital and repaired the base and shaft. Then, 
in the foyer of the building we set up an exhibit showing the 
step-by-step plaster casting method, with the old capital the mould and 
the extra new half-capital. The building owner used the exhibit as a 
highly successful motivational tool that raised additional funds. Six 
years later we were all back there restoring the remaining three 
columns, including the plasterer who then had his young son working with 
him. All the preservation tradespeople got the work, got paid, and the 
next generation got some good training. What kind of sense does it make 
to give all that away to the plastic pirates. Now, I know this is not 
the great American way, "wham-bam-thank-you-mamm," but we have gotten it 
to work many times with all sorts of building systems: windows & doors, 
paint & wood, mortar & bricks. Sometimes building owners really do want 
and are willing to wait for good work, when they know it's a real 
possibility.

 >>They build out of cardboard and plastic. Because the real thing is 
more expensive, and nobody's willing to pay for it if they can avoid 
doing so.  What time late last night did you say you were born?<<

The last second of the last minute of the eleventh hour--just in the 
nick of time with at least one moment to spare for saving a few more 
capitals and cornices.

"nobody's willing to pay for it if they can avoid doing so"--this is the 
kind of fatalistic hype the "throw-away" corporateers and their 
underlings the plastic pirates depend on. Just because they depend on it 
does not mean we have to go along with it. So, it's our job as the 
preservationeers to provide the alternatives and help the building 
owners make it happen.


John
by hammer and hand great works do stand
by pen and thought best words are wrought


John Leeke, American Preservationeer
Historic HomeWorks
26 Higgins St.
Portland, ME  04103
207 773-2306
[log in to unmask]
www.HistoricHomeWorks.com

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