Hermitage Foundation Museum, Norfolk, Virginia
In 2005, the Library in the Hermitage Foundation Museum in Norfolk Virginia —
was gutted by fire and Agrell Architectural Carving was commissioned to replace the carved oak screen.
The
original screen was carved in the earlier part of the 20th century by a carver employed at the house and was a copy, in parts, of wood carved screens typical of those found in
the West Country of England during the 14th. century.
The restored screen was carved on both sides and took about 2500 hours.
Project challenges:
The screen detail to the right shows the wood carved enrichment of the bressumer (the carved beam at the crown of the screen) which is
not typically constructed in this fashion. The original carver, misunderstanding the construction, carved the two mouldings beneath the crown out of a solid beam rather than
placing a pierced convex moulding over the concave beam as done in the 14th century. Had he known this it would have made his life a lot easier and ours; as we were naturly
required to copy his work.
The construction and installation was undertaken by Waterfront Lumber, of Norfolk Virginia and the project was managed by the accomplished
conservator, Carey Howlett. Read his testimonial and letter of reference.
Hermitage Foundation Museum Library before the restoration.
 Agrell Architectural Carving contributed greatly to the success of one of my most challenging projects — the recovery from fire damage at the Hermitage Foundation Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. Throughout the
project I was truly impressed by the outstanding quality of the firm’s work and by Ian Agrell’s enthusiasm,
personable manner, and professional commitment to the project.
Read F. Carey Howlett complete letter of reference.
— F. Carey Howlett
Project Manager and Conservator
« Back to Woodcarving Projects | 