Philadelphia Academy of Music
Philadelphia Academy of Music
John Canning & Co.’s determination to expose and define the original design scheme for the Philadelphia Academy of Music involved analysis of up to 16 layers of paint in some areas and aggressive exposure methods to reveal faintly ghosted patterns.
PROJECT DETAILS
John Canning & Co. was the consultant for historic finish exposures and paint analysis, and was responsible for ornamental plaster fabrication, woodwork restoration, and all decorative painting, trompe l’oeil, and gilding throughout the ballroom.
The ballroom was originally completed in 1857 and for our restoration we referenced an 1860 photograph to inform our meticulous replication of the original design scheme. Where we could not determine the original decoration, we created new decoration working in the established style.
 GALLERY
BUILDING FACTS
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Built: 1855
- Architect: Napoleon LeBrun & Gustavus Runge
- Style: Renaissance
- Status: National Historic Landmark
AWARDS
- 2010 Preservation Achievement Grand Jury Award, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
- 2011 AIA Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture
 SCOPE
- Historic Paint Analysis
- Plaster Conditions Analysis
- Restoration & Conservation
- Paint Exposures
- New Design
- Construction Drawings
- Plaster Restoration
- Ornamental Plaster Fabrication and Repair
- Color and Finishes Matching
- Decorative Painting & Finishes
- Trompe L’oeil
- Freehand Artwork
- Architectural Gilding & Glazing
- Wood Restoration
PROJECT TEAM
- Architect: Kling Stubbins
