Governor's Mansion (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands)
In August of 1999 I was invited by the late Martin Weaver, noted historic preservationist at Columbia University, to participate in a most unusual project. The task was to help restore the wall decorations in an 1830 plantation house built by the Danish on the island of St. Thomas. Martin had recommended Joe Sembrat of Conservation Solutions for project manager. I readily agreed to join the team. After all, it was a unique opportunity to review and study the historic literature on batten/canvas applications, and to apply these historic techniques in a historic structure with modern tools and materials. Within a few weeks I was conferring with Joe and Martin on a regular basis, and assembling a team (myself, James Yates and Barry Blanchard) to carry out the work. The house (Kathrineberg) currently serves as the residence of the elected Governor of the Virgin Islands, and is maintained by the West Indian Company.
Decorative Methods Used at Kathrineberg
Governor's Mansion (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands)
Photos from the site: