On the upper right
you see the gypsum plaster scratch coat that is the base for attaching
the ornaments. The plaster is applied to an expanded metal lath attached
to the original channel iron structure. All of the original lath was removed.
The ornaments are attached to the scratch plaster with gobs of molding
plaster. A mechanical bond happens within the scarifications in the scratch
coat and on the backside of the new cast ornaments. The chemical reaction
during the setting process of the molding plaster creates a bond that involves
the interlacing of the crystalline structure of the wet plaster gobs, the
scratch coat, and the cast ornament, providing a very positive and permanent
attachment. The two balcony faces totaled 160 lineal feet. All but four
original rosettes were reproduced and reinstalled by Battersby Ornmntl.
On the upper left (photo
above) are some of the new ornaments after installation. These were cast
in sets of four rosettes, just as they were originally in 1914, by Hannibal
Pianta.
Across the bottom is
a band of eggs and tulips. Many of these were also reproduced and replaced.
The photo below shows
the finished decoration by Restoration Assoc. There is a link near the bottom of this page to the Restoration Associates website.
I will be inserting
more photos here soon that will show other views of the casting procedure.
