About >
The John Canning Co. Through The Years
Timeline
John Canning & Co. 's Architectural Arts Journey Through The Years
This timeline is a glimpse into the history of the past 45 plus years of the John Canning & Co., highlighting some of the projects and events that have occurred. Take a scroll down memory lane. Do you recognize any historic restoration projects? Were you part of the team that won that historic preservation award? Did you catch that article regarding the historic conservation project? Have you been in any of the landmark and historic buildings we have had the honor to work on?


The Beginning
John Canning founded his own company which goes by the name John Canning & Co. He and his company are guided by the principle “do no harm” and advance that principle by providing treatments that are reversible and supplying owners with thorough documentation of research, conditions, actions taken, and materials used.
Michigan History Magazine-Feature Cover Story
Michigan History – Restoring the Michigan State Capitol Feature Article July/August 1990 Issue Michigan History magazine shares the Great Lakes State’s diverse history through feature articles and special sections. The first phase of our part of the restoration included returning several spaces within the capitol to its original grandeur with a complete restoration of the House of Representatives, Senate Chambers, Adjacent Areas, and Public Spaces, that involved all aspects of the decorative arts.
John Receives CT Governor’s Arts Award
Established in 1978, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize remarkable Connecticut individuals and organizations for excellence and lifetime achievement in the arts. More than 140 artists, arts organizations, patrons, businesses and individuals have been honored for their dedication to the arts and culture in Connecticut. In June 2004 Governor’s Arts Award was awarded to John Canning, Decorative Artist and Art Restorer.
John Receives Honary AIA Status
In 2009 John was one of the 11 special people welcomed into the American Institute of Architects (AIA) family. Although not architects by profession, AIA recognized their contributions and service in the field of architecture with the title of Honorary AIA. John as an honorary member of the AIA is the only decorative painter in North America to be so honored.



Good Work: Masters of the Building Arts
This 65-minute documentary film is a project of the Smithsonian Institution Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and American Focus, directed by Academy Award winning filmmakers, Marjorie Hunt, PhD. and Paul Wagner, features ten artisans, all masters of their crafts that were documented in action including John Canning and Jacqueline Canning-Riccio.
David’s Receives APT Professional Recognition
David Riccio was formally announced as an Association for Preservation Technology (APT) Recognized Professional at the APT Miami Conference. This is a high honor from the APT Board of Directors. After an extensive review process and discussion by the board of an overwhelming number of candidates, David was chosen. The APT Recognized Professional purpose is to recognize the expert skill level in individuals in the various fields of preservation technology. APT Professionals Recognition is based upon defined combinations of education, experience, and proficiency. David joins a select group of Recognized Professionals.
BINAH Magazine Stencil Article
BINAH Magazine, August 2021 Article -YES, that’s stenciled! In this month’s issue of the magazine, some photos of our stenciled decorative painting work for various projects are featured. Projects referenced in the article include the Connecticut State Capitol, English Rose Residence, Missouri Supreme Court and the Minnesota State Capitol.
WNPR’s Where We Live – Talk Show & Podcast
WNPR’s Where We Live – Talk Show & Podcast WNPR’s Where We Live – Talk Show & Podcast Two of the company’s principals, David Riccio and John Canning were part of the segment on “Connecticut’s historic haunts and the restoration experts who bring them back to life”. The segment covered some of our work performed for the Old Saybrook “Ghost Sign” and the Mark Twain House & Museum.
Traditional Building Magazine Article -Master Artisan John Canning
Traditional Building Magazine Article -Master Artisan John Canning Traditional Building Magazine, December Issue The featured interview was with the Founder and Principal of the company, John Canning. The Master Artisan John Canning interview takes a look into the journey John has taken over the last six decades and how he has become a renowned expert in architectural arts restoration field.
Connecticut Explored Magazine Spring 2022 Preserving Craftsmanship Issue
Connecticut Explored Magazine Spring 2022 Preserving Craftsmanship Issue Connecticut Explored Magazine Spring 2022 Preserving Craftsmanship Issue Features this article From Modest Materials, A Grand Effects in the Connecticut Explored. This article is a photo essay on the work of John Canning & Co. that includes five of the company’s interior design restoration commissions including the Connecticut State Capitol and highlights the craftsman techniques including stenciling, gilding and plaster restoration.
The Hill Is Home Union Station Article
The Hill Is Home Union Station Article The Hill Is Home, April Article, Union Station Graffiti Repairs Finished in Early April While doing work at the Main Hall of Washington Union Station, vandalism took place at the exterior & interior masonry of the station. Being able to solve complex problems and move quickly, we were called upon to assist in the graffiti repairs.