Restoring the Magnificent Pennsylvania Foyer Ceiling
Patrick Sheary, DAR Museum Curator of Furnishings

The ceiling of the Pennsylvania Foyer, the grand original entrance to DAR Memorial Continental Hall, has been restored to recreate the original 1910 color palette. The existing paint decoration, likely applied in the 1950s, had an elaborate and fussy look. The painter detailed all the leaf veining with bronze colored paint and even added zebra striping to cartouches. The result obscured the delicate detailing of the plaster and composition work used to create the ceiling.

Before work could start, architectural conservator Amy Hollis from Worcester Eisenbrandt (WEI) took paint samples in order to determine the original colors within the decorative ceiling. The findings and a drawing revealed subtle shades of white with gold highlighting. To aid the painters in this somewhat complex layout, all the colors had to be carefully indicated on photos of the ceiling.

Work began in early February. Foreman Oscar Bonilla and his crew from WEI carefully installed scaffolding and plastic sheeting to protect the marble statues, walls and clock in the foyer. Even the terrazzo marble floor received a protective covering of plastic and Masonite. This process took about a week. During this time, the crew assessed the ceiling for any plaster damage and thankfully found little.

The painters began by applying the primer coat. Though this may seem easy, it took a week of intensive painting because of the detailed decoration. Upon the application of the primer, an immediate transformation occurred. As everything turned white, oak leaves, acorns and other details became apparent. With the primer coating complete, application of the final finishes began. Along with color, subtle differences were achieved with semi-gloss and eggshell finishes. The semi-gloss shine of the pearl white can be seen in the cartouche and the bands of oak leaves. Then a creamy white color was applied to further enhance the details, as seen in the ceiling’s center medallion and on the cornice around the edge. The process took about three weeks.

The contractor also restored the trellis grills covering the heating and cooling ducts. The original color scheme for these, too, were compose of subtle whites with the grills cream and the rosettes pearl white. The grills were removed for painting and carefully reinstalled upon completion.

The final touch consisted of applying bronze gold touches to select flat surfaces. This striping emphasizes the architectural features, such as the central medallion. The result shown in this “after” photo is stunning. Next time you visit National Headquarters, please be sure to check out the restored Pennsylvania Foyer. Restoration of the foyer was made possible through the generosity of the Pennsylvania State Society, DAR. Thank you Pennsylvania Daughters for your support!

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