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PERFECTING PRESERVATION AT THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE

The John Canning & Co. is an architectural restoration contractor with over forty years' experience that is based out of Cheshire, CT. John Canning & Co. is an expert in the architectural arts and finishes such as ornamental plaster restoration, plaster stabilization, decorative finishes, gilding, historic woodwork, and stone as well as exterior services of architectural gilding and selective decorative finishes. The type of projects John Canning & Co. works on includes national landmarks, religious establishments, government buildings, museums, theatres and entertainment venues. Some of the projects John Canning & Co. has completed include Radio City Music Hall, the Ceiling Sky Mural at Grand Central Station, the U.S. Treasury Building, the Connecticut State Capitol, Yale University, and San Francisco City Hall.

Bedroom bay after restoration
Bathroom water closet reconstructed	The Mark Twain House located in Hartford, CT. was the home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (pen name Mark Twain) and his wife Olivia. Built in 1874, the style of the house is Victorian Gothic Revival and was designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter. The Mark Twain House & Museum's Mahogany Suite and Carriage House played an important role in the family of the author who was known for always entertaining and having guests over. The Mahogany Suite was known as the best guest suite where the family would host their guests and close friends. The Suite consists of a bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom and is often referred as a “royal chamber”.

Bedroom bay before restoration

Bedroom bay after restoration

The John Canning & Co. scope of work encompassed various architectural substrates in the suite. The restoration included refinishing of the historic woodwork throughout the suite and house, plaster restoration, and installation of reproduced wall paper. The wallpaper was designed by Candace Wheeler and dates back to the 1880s and incorporated a honeycomb design of bees and spider webs.

The Mark Twain House is one of the first 100 properties in the nation to be designated a National Historic Landmark.

John Canning & Co. fine workmanship at the Mark Twain House received the 2018 AGC BuildCT Small Renovation Award for this restoration project.

Bedroom fireplace restored

John Canning & Co.
150 Commerce Court | Cheshire, CT 06410
203-272-9868
www.johncanningco.com