Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Historic Restoration & Conservation Services
John Canning & Co. & Co. is a premier architectural arts restoration contractor with nearly five decades of expertise in historic preservation and conservation. Founded in 1975, our company combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver solutions for complex restoration challenges. Our team of skilled artisans, conservators, and project managers specializes in services such as historic plaster conservation, decorative painting, architectural gilding, and stone and wood restoration. Guided by the principle of 'do no harm,' we adhere to the highest standards of reversibility and documentation, ensuring the integrity of historic structures is preserved.We collaborate closely with architects, owners, and other trades to balance immediate project needs with long-term custodial responsibilities. Our proprietary HPCS plaster consolidation method sets the global standard for stabilizing fragile historic plaster systems. With a portfolio spanning national landmarks, religious institutions, theaters, and museums, we are committed to advancing the field through education, innovation, and adherence to the American Institute for Conservations ethical guidelines. Our dedication to quality, transparency, and client satisfaction has solidified our reputation as Americas most renowned decorative arts studio.
Services
Historic Plaster Conservation
Architectural Gilding
Decorative Painting
Wood Restoration
Stone Conservation
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 50 years of expertise in historic preservation and restoration.
- Proprietary HPCS plaster consolidation method for long-term stability.
- OSHA-certified team with specialized training in historic materials.
- Collaborative approach with architects and stakeholders for tailored solutions.
- Award-winning work on iconic U.S. landmarks and cultural institutions.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
What people say
Fantastic results
Highest caliber work
Impeccable historical accuracy
Skilled artisans
Collaborative approach
Services
Historic Plaster Conservation
Our HPCS-certified plaster conservation services address structural issues in historic buildings using advanced consolidation techniques. We stabilize and restore ornamental, flat, and acoustic plaster systems on wood or wire lath, ensuring long-term durability while preserving original finishes. Our methods convert fragile plaster and lath into a unified system, ideal for ceilings and walls in active buildings.
Architectural Gilding
We specialize in traditional and exterior gilding techniques for historic landmarks, churches, and theaters. Our artisans apply gold leaf to architectural elements, ensuring compatibility with original materials and environmental conditions. Projects include dome restoration, decorative accents, and ornamental features requiring precision and historical accuracy.
Decorative Painting
Our team recreates and conserves historic decorative painting schemes using period-appropriate materials and methods. Services include paint analysis, exposure studies, and replication of intricate designs. We restore murals, woodwork, and wall finishes while maintaining the artistic intent of original creators.
Wood Restoration
We restore historic wood elements through cleaning, repair, and reversible coatings that match original grain and color. Our work includes carved woodwork, paneling, and structural timber conservation, using techniques that respect historical integrity while meeting modern durability standards.
Stone Conservation
Our stone conservation services address deterioration in historic masonry and carved elements. We employ gentle cleaning methods, repair damaged surfaces, and replicate missing features using compatible materials. Projects range from monumental facades to intricate interior stonework in cultural institutions.
Questions
What types of historic buildings do you work on?
We specialize in national landmarks, religious institutions, theaters, museums, universities, and civic buildings requiring preservation of architectural arts.
How do you handle emergency restoration needs?
We provide rapid assessment and stabilization for historic finishes damaged by disasters, ensuring minimal further deterioration while planning long-term solutions.
Can you replicate lost historic decorative elements?
Yes, our artisans recreate missing features using traditional methods and materials, informed by archival research and physical evidence from the site.
What is your approach to project management?
We offer full-cycle management from pre-construction planning to completion, coordinating trades and ensuring adherence to schedules, budgets, and historic preservation standards.
Do you work outside the United States?
While our primary focus is U.S.-based projects, our expertise has been recognized internationally for complex conservation challenges.
How do you ensure quality control during restoration?
We implement rigorous documentation, material testing, and milestone evaluations throughout projects, supported by our in-house team of conservators and craftsmen.
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