Exciting Times Ahead: Joining the APTI Convention 2024

I’m looking forward to participating in the upcoming Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) convention in Montreal! This event promises to be an enriching gathering for professionals in the heritage preservation sector, and I’m eager to contribute and learn from my peers. I’m especially looking forward to being part of a workshop alongside many talented individuals from the heritage preservation sector. The opportunity to hear their presentations and insights will undoubtedly enrich my own understanding and practice.

My Role at the Convention

I am thrilled to be one of the presenters at the "Historic Decorative Interior Architectural Finishes: Investigations and Restoration” workshop. In this two-day session, I’ll be discussing the methodology behind replicating architectural finishes and how the results of investigations inform my decision-making process.

The workshop is designed for owners, architects, preservationists, and engineers. It will focus on identifying, investigating, assessing, and designing restorations or recreations of historic decorative finishes. Through case studies, we’ll explore various types of finishes from different periods and delve into traditional application methods and materials, focusing on those relevant to the Montreal area and Canada as a whole.

A significant aspect of the workshop will be a hands-on investigation and site analysis component. Using a building local to the conference, we’ll examine how to locate decorative finishes on various substrates and assess their conditions. We’ll cover exposure techniques for obtaining samples and explore laboratory methods for pigment and media identification, ensuring that we select the appropriate contemporary materials for restoration.

A major focus will be on interpreting the results from our investigative work. Participants will learn how to use this information as a foundation for design and methods for restoring or recreating historic finishes. We’ll also address the importance of effective communication with project teams to ensure everyone understands the interpretations and approaches to restoration.

Exploring Montreal

While in Montreal, I’m eager to visit the HOSMER HOUSE, where our workshop will take place. It will be fascinating to see what historic finishes are uncovered during the investigative sampling in the various rooms.

I’m also excited to visit the Nincheri Studio Museum, home to the artist who painted the ceiling murals at Our Lady of Assumption in Windsor—an important project we’ve been working on for repair and restoration. It will be inspiring to connect with the artist’s legacy firsthand.

Looking Forward

As I prepare for the APTI convention, I am filled with anticipation for the insights, connections, and experiences that await. If you’re involved in heritage preservation, I encourage you to consider attending this event. It’s a remarkable opportunity to learn, share, and grow within our field.

Stay tuned for updates, and I look forward to sharing my experiences from the convention once it concludes!