Montpelier Restoration Update - 2/20/2008

Plastering

A scratch coat has been applied to the walls and ceiling of M-106 (North Passage). To prepare for plastering, the gypsum finish coat found over sections of surviving c. 1850s plaster was removed to ensure that the plaster will be able to “breath” and not trap moisture in the masonry walls. The lime plaster found under the gypsum finish coat, which is vapor permable, will be preserved and coated over with a new finished brown coat.

The ceiling of Dolley’s kitchen has also been scratch coated. This is the first space in the cellar to be plastered.

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Painting

Dino C. and Greg Callaway are priming the woodwork in M-105 (Dining Room).

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M-107 (Entry)

Ed Gomez repairing the back band that runs around the top of the arched doorway.

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M-108 (Drawing Room)

Ed Gomez has installed the chair rail. This chair rail had previously been fitted into place and then removed to allow the triglyphs and oval pockets for the decorative rosettes to be carved by Blaise Gaston. Now the only element missing from the Drawing Room now is the chimney cap and it is currently being built by Blaise Gaston.

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M-109 (South Passage)

Gene Lyman has started to install the circa 1764 paneling. Before the paneling is installed, a layer of roofing felt is attached to the wall to prevent moisture from the brickwork migrating into the wood paneling.

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M-110 (South Stair)

Mac Ward has started to install the heart pine treads and risers for the period I stair.

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M-111 (Back Chamber)

Bill Bichell has installed the paneled jambs for the window in this space.

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M-114 (Vaulted Closet)

Keith Forry is applying the back band around the door to M-111 (Back Chamber).

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M-008 (South Cellar Passage)

Olivier Dupont-Huin has placed the newel post for the cellar stair. To securely hold the newel in place a stainless steel bracket is installed below the brick floor and the post is then mounted onto the bracket.