THE
TRADITIONAL PAINT FORUM
-1st Annual Conference and Workshop
The first conference of the Traditional
Paint Forum was a resounding success -the event was completely
sold out.
The wide range of papers and specialist speakers reflected the
varied interests of the Forum members.
In the opening session speakers attempted to define what we
understand by the term 'traditional paint'. This provoked an
interesting debate. It was suggested that with developments
in paint technology, today's 'modern' paint systems will soon
be the traditional paints of the future.
The following sessions and workshops addressed the more technical
problems of the production and use of historic paint systems.
We would like to thank all of our speakers especially those
who came from as far away as the USA, Germany and Denmark.
The Forum is especially grateful to the Georgian Group. Their
new headquarters was an elegant (albeit unfinished) setting
for our first major gathering.
It is planned to publish transcripts of the talks -details to
be announced. Planning of the 2nd Annual Conference and Workshop
which is to held at Kings Manor, University of York, early November
1996, is in hand. Details to be finalised shortly -places will
be limited to 100 and so members are urged to
book early.
100
PLUS MEMBERS
Brian Pfeiffer, Vice President for the Conservation
Services of the Society of New England Antiquities has the honour
of being our 100th member. Brian's membership reflects the growing
international interest in the Traditional Paint Forum.
We welcome all new members especially international ones! If
you are interested in learning more about the Traditional Paint
Forum you should write to the Hon. Secretary, Una Richards,
c/o Simpson and Brown, 179 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN. Membership
is open to all and is international.
INAUGURAL
1995JOURNAL
The inaugural issue of the TRADITIONAL PAINT
NEWS which was published in October 1995 is to be reprinted.
Additional copies of this informative work will be available
from the secretary at the cost of £15.00 per copy.
A.G.M
-MARCH 1996
The Annual General Meeting of the Traditional
Paint Forum will be held at the Georgian Group headquarters
at 6 Fitzroy Square on the 9th March 1996.
Before the meeting members have the opportunity to visit the
Sir John Soane Museum and enjoy a guided tour conducted by Christopher
Woodward. Dr. Ian Bristow (President of the TPF) and Julian
Harrap (Julian Harrap Architects) will present an illustrated
lecture on their recent work on the interiors of the museum.
LEAVE
IT ALONE SOCIETY
We all applaud the very existence of this
elusive society and wish it well. The protection and conservation
of historic paint finishes where they have not been overpainted
is of vital importance if we are to retain any examples of 'traditional
paint', However we need to establish exactly what we are preserving.
Would anyone be interested like in forming a break-away faction
called 'The Leave- it- Alone -but what exactly is it group'?
ELIZABETHAN
GRAINING
TPF member Judith Wetherall is advising
on the reconstruction and decoration of the Globe Theatre. She
is anxious to see any surviving examples of late sixteenth century
graining. Anyone who is able to offer any advice may contact
Judith on 01293 775024
THE
JOYS OF DECORATING -THROUGH
As customers or practioners we can all empathise
with the following accounts. Decorating in time for Christmas,
is it wise?
.... 13th December -All the day looking upon my workmen, who
this day come to paint my pa,r/our. 17th December -This day
my parlour is gilded, which doth please me well.
22nd December- All morning with my paynters -who will make an
end of it all this day, I hope ......(later after 'a great deal
of Wine') I home found my house clear of the workman and their
work ended. My head troubled with wine, and I very merry, went
to bed.
(Samuel Pepys The Diary of Samuel
Pepys -extracts December 1 660)
Thank
goodness for current COSH regulations...
The difficulty of removing these papers
was increased by the fact that there was a dado which had been
varnished. In order to gets this off it had been necessary to
soak it several times with strong sode water, and although Joe
had been as careful as possible he had not been able to avoid
getting some of the stuff on his fingers. The result was that
his nails were all burnt and discoloured and the flesh round
them cracked and bleeding. However he had got it all off at
last, end was not sorry for in the palm of his right hand was
a blister as large as a shilling, caused by the handle of the
stripping knife.
(Robert Tressel! The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists published
1914)
H.H. (with thanks to I.C. & M. S.)
THE
TRADITIONAL PAINT FORUM
Hon. Secretary: Una Richards, Simpson & Brown; 179 Canongate,
Edinburgh EH88BN
Journal Editor: Patrick Baty, Papers and Paints, 4 Park Walk,
Chelsea, London SWIO OAD
Please
Note: SMUDGE is a regular ~ and information supplement to the
TRADITIONAL PAINT NEWS. Each issue of SMUDGE is written, in
turn, by a member of The Traditional Paint Forum, subject to
the control of the Committee. The information is provided in
good faith. It is not necessarily the view of the members of
the Forum; it is only as a contribution to the ongoing debate.
