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The Accidental Preservationist

An unexpected journey

East elevation of the Chancognie House.

 

The Chancognie House

 

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What is The AP?

Join me on an unexpected journey in restoration and research at the circa 1810 Simon Jude Chancognie House in Charleston, South Carolina and beyond.

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On this rainy, cold evening here in Charleston, I am thinking back to the glorious afternoon light yesterday at @draytonhall during the @decorativeartstrust symposium....#theaccidentalpreservationist
Thank you @decorativeartstrust and @draytonhall for a fantastic symposium “An agreeable prospect: Rediscovering Drayton Hall in the 18th Century Atlantic World”! I am no stranger to Drayton Hall and I learned a lot today from insight into interior finishes and architectural features from @paintchipsanalysis and Ed Chappell to where Drayton Hall falls on the Palladian sliding scale thanks to @trishlowesmith to a behind the scenes look at the Drayton Hall bookcase with @sarahstroudclarke and @cswanny88, it was a fun and fascinating day! #theaccidentalpreservationist
Congratulations to Professor Elizabeth Garrett Ryan’s Historic Interiors class at @mshp_grad_program on their fantastic interior furnishings plan from the Chancognie House! They focused on the upstairs parlor and dining room and I will share more of their plans for these rooms in the weeks to come. It was such a pleasure having them work here at the Chancognie House - I will miss them next semester! #theaccidentalpreservationist
Even though it is not officially winter, today was exactly how I like winter to be in Charleston - about 60 degrees and sunny. For some reason, this recent find here at the Chancognie House seemed to embody how I felt today - camellias are in bloom and it was a great day for a walk. This pearlware transferware base was likely part of a basin or chamber pot - if anyone recognizes the pattern, please let me know. In the meantime, I will hope for many more winter days just like this! #theaccidentalpreservationist #chancogniehouse
Finding the perfect holiday gift for everybody on your list can be a challenge. To help with this endeavor, I have complied a Holiday Gift Guide on my blog (link in profile). Best of all, these gifts support the preservation and research work being done by three of my favorite organizations here in Charleston, SC: @draytonhall, @charlestonmuseum and @historiccharlestonfoundation. My goal was to include items that are unique to the organizations offering them, but I did make a few exceptions for some of my favorite books and a great gift for furry family members. These items are available online through the organizations’ websites and I have detailed special offers and member discounts on my blog. All proceeds go directly to each organization and since they are non-profits, purchases are tax-free. From building your own Palladian dream house to hostess gifts under $20, there is something for everybody and all for a great cause! #theaccidentalpreservationist
The mansion and the Temple are the only remaining buildings from the Madison era at Montpelier. James Madison had the Temple built in 1810 (the same year that the Chancognie House was built) by James Dinsmore, Thomas Jefferson’s joiner, who completed renovations to the main house in 1809. Designed by Madison as an homage to classical architecture, it served an important function as an icehouse as well as forming a picturesque part of the landscape. In September 2015, a single Madison-era wooden shingle from the roof of the Temple was found. Analysis by historic paint expert Susan Buck (@paintchipsanalysis) found that the shingles were originally the rich red color seen here. Work to restore the Temple columns is underway. Covered in cement-based stucco during the DuPont era, this will be replaced with a historically accurate lime-based stucco that will allow the brick columns to breathe and not trap in moisture. The cement floor added during the DuPont era will also be replaced with a period-appropriate wooden floor. I look forward to following this work and the many exciting projects taking place at Montpelier! #theaccidentalpreservationist

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The Accidental Preservationist: Juliana Falk


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