kathryn stephens' historic preservation portfolio
TRANSCRIPT
Kathryn A. Stephens Historic Preservation | Decorative Painting
M.F.A. Historic Preservation Thesis, Savannah College of Art and Design
Abstract
Historic color palettes preserve not just the aesthetic qualities of a
place, but also the continuous traditions of decoration and, by extension,
the personalities of the individuals who occupied that place. In
Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, exterior paint colors
are regulated through the district’s ordinance because of their ability to
shape and characterize the area. However, no color palette or guidelines
exist to aid residents in color selection or provide justification for the exist to aid residents in color selection or provide justification for the
Metropolitan Planning Commission’s acceptance or rejection of
decorative choices. This thesis demonstrates how documentary evidence
in the form of scientific investigations, case studies from prominent paint
analysts, historic accounts, stylistic trends, trade manuals, and other
period publications can provide a range of hues appropriate for 19th-
century Savannah. Through the synthesis of trends and traditions found
on both the national and regional scales, an exterior paint color palette on both the national and regional scales, an exterior paint color palette
for the Landmark District is defined. By exhibiting authenticity to
evolutions in the house painting trade and Savannah’s multiple periods
of development, the palette allows the city to preserve the historic variety
of its built environment and the ability of residents to make personal
choices. Methodologies for performing architectural paint research lack
standardization, but this project provides a process for performing
architectural paint research where funding and access to physical architectural paint research where funding and access to physical
evidence is limited. The end result recognizes the importance of color in
historic Savannah and meets the needs of both the planning commission
and residents by providing choices that are authentic and appropriate.
Architectural Paint Research | Historic District Regulation | Color Theory
William G. Harden House Restoration
Paint Analysis | Faux Graining | Gilding
Springfield Initiative, City of Springfield, GA
Photographic Survey | HABS Documentation | Historic District Design Guidelines
W.W. Law House, Savannah, GA Measured Drawing | HABS Documentation
Conditions Assessment | Materials Testing | Maintenance PlanningConservation Science
Scenic Painting
Graining | Marbling | Masonry | MetalsFaux Finishing
Trompe l'Oeil and Specialty Painting
Trompe l'Oeil and Specialty Painting