Historic Paint Finishes Report, the Maryland Building, the 1876 Exterior Finishes

Mosca, Matthew; Artifex, Ltd.

From introduction: "This study was initiated by Mr. Martin P. Azola of Azola Associates who contacted the writer to conduct a study of the historic paint finishes of the Maryland Building, now on the grounds of the Maryland Zoo of Druid Hill Park. The building was designed by George A. Frederick, architect of the celebrated Baltimore City Hall, and most of the buildings in Druid Hill Park. At the time of the Centennial Exposition, Frederick was also renovating the Maryland State House in Annapolis. Following the close of the 1876 Exposition, the Maryland Building was dismantled and reconstructed in Druid Hill Park. The Maryland Building in one of very few state pavilions that survive. As an example of late nineteenth century architecture showing the strong influence of the principals of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, it is outstanding. The Maryland Building combines classical elements, such as the large door and window frames of the center pavilion façade with deliberate rustic elements such as the chamfered outriggers and rafters. These elements indicate that the Ecole des Beaux-Arts concepts of clarity of forms and inventive combination of historical references were well understood by architect George A. Frederick. The appearance of the building was heightened by the use of color. Color thus is an intrinsic part of the architecture. The system of painting was unusual. The initial finishes were coated with one or two semi-opaque varnish layers. After this treatment, the contrasting darker colors were applied to surfaces such as the truss-work, including the vivid vermillion red finish used on the chamfers. The historical photographs were very significant in determining this: the high contrast between the light color of the body of the building and the darker trim indicate this system of painting. The results of this study will be surprising, and something of a challenge to modern tastes. It is nonetheless very significant as color completes the expression of the architecture. The restoration of the building should be a major opportunity for publicity for the Maryland Zoo, Druid Hill Park and the City of Baltimore. The results will surprise the public, but, happily, the public now has come to expect accurate restoration and the use of historic colors. It appears that when the Maryland Building was moved to Druid Hill Park, certain changes were made to the exterior finishes, including an even more dramatic use of the bright vermilion red. Where this evidence survives, the second finish is indicated on the finish schedule, which is provided in the form of annotated photographs of the elements of the building." Project funding was provided in part by a 2005 Save America's Treasures grant to the Maryland Zoological Society, Inc. (grant number 24-05-ML-0221) administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Federal Save America's Treasures grants program began in 1999 and helps preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation's rich heritage to future generations of Americans. Since 1999, there have been almost 4,000 requests for funding totaling $1.54 billion. In response to these requests, $315,152,000 was awarded to 1,287 recipients. Grants were awarded to Federal, state, local, and tribal government entities, as well as non-profit organizations through a competitive matching-grant program.

Historic Paint Finishes Report, the Maryland Building, the 1876 Exterior Finishes

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