Artwork & Ornament

Cast stone, a faux material, has a long-standing history in the built environment.

As the tides of taste recede from traditional ornamental ceilings, some venerable suppliers alter course with subtler ways to decorate.

Nothing compares to old-fashioned hand-carved stone mantels when it comes to specifying custom details in a new or historic building.

The challenges of restoring historic decorative finishing at the Grand Lodge of Maryland Masonic Temple.

A look at the challenges of designing and constructing a 50-ft.-dia. stained-glass dome in a newly constructed church in Arkansas.

Traditional Building's guide to common terms and materials associated with the historic fresco painting technique.

A look at the materials and historic techniques for creating Buon fresco--a painting executed on a freshly plastered wall.

Designing and restoring historic art glass and stained-glass windows is a delicate balancing act that entails a unique combination of give and take between clients and craftspeople. Experts from leading studios tell Traditional Building what works, what doesn't work, and what they would like to see happen on each project.

The beauty and skill of Fresco painting techniques.

Why should you choose plaster ornaments over modern-day alternatives? Plaster can be molded and sculpted on the job site to visually eliminate joints, seams, cracks and other defects, creating a nearly flawless look.

The formula for historic ornamental plaster is still alive and well, but some new materials are making inroads in the field of interior ornament.

The 1960s Church of Christ the King in New Vernon, NJ, now has 14 new Stations of the Cross paintings by Leonard Porter.