September 2010
Stojsavljevic presents at Historic Mortars Conference in Prague
Kate Stojsavljevic, Historic Preservation Specialist in the Washington, DC, office of Keast & Hood Co. will present a case study at the 2010 2nd Historic Mortars Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, September 22-24.
“Drayton Hall: A Case Study, Mortar Analysis and Replication” will be co-presented by Stojsavljevic and Frances Henderson Ford, a conservation lecturer in architectural materials conservation at Clemson University and the College of Charleston. The case study describes the site survey and lab methodology used to develop an accurate mortar match for repairs to historic Drayton Hall outside Charleston, South Carolina.
Built between 1738 and 1742, Drayton Hall is a three-story Georgian Palladian structure with Flemish-bond masonry. The building’s historic exterior exhibits at least seven different distinct mortar campaigns over its lifespan. The house is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
A recent collaboration between Drayton Hall and students and faculty of the Advanced Conservation Lab course – part of Clemson University/College of Charleston’s Graduate Program for Historic Preservation – provided the opportunity to analyze the mortar from the second campaign (c. 1810) and formulate a replacement for future pointing needs.
Stojsavljevic and Ford will discuss how real-world restrictions of limited funds, time and mortar production on an historic site impacted the research and methodology.
The 2nd Historic Mortars Conference brings together scientists, technicians, and professionals involved in research and study of historic mortars to present and discuss advances in the topic. The conference’s main theme is the conservation of historic buildings and works of art. It is sponsored by the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM, from the name in French). For additional information, visit www.rilem.net.