TELFAIR ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCES (1819, 1886) SAVANNAH, GA
Project Date: 2015 – 2016
Owner: Telfair Museum of Art, Inc.
121 Barnard Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Contact: Sonja Wallen – Buildings Curator
Architect/Designer: Telfair Museum of Art & Landmark Preservation LLC
Historic Designations: National Historic Landmark
Project Awards: Excellence in Restoration – Historic Savannah Foundation
Summary of Work: Complete Exterior Restoration, Structural Reinforcements, Marble Plaque Restoration
TELFAIR ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCES (1819, 1886) SAVANNAH, GA
Landmark Preservation LLC was hired as general contractor to perform a comprehensive exterior restoration of
the Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences, the oldest public museum in the South. Deteriorated elements and missing
finishes were addressed in order to restore the building’s 1886 appearance. Access to the building’s elevations were
achieved using scaffolding and articulated man-lifts. The museum was open to the public throughout the restoration.
The scope of work included:
Removal of non-compatible latex paint from main (east) facade and portico
Repair of cracks on all elevations
Repair of stucco using in-kind materials
Application of new finish on all stucco surfaces per historic finish analysis findings
Repair and refinishing of terne-metal decorative cornice at rotunda to include the
application of a faux-bronze patina per historic finish analysis findings
In-kind repair of wood windows (sashes, muntins, mullions, sills, etc.)
In-kind repair and refinishing of cast iron balconies, fencing, and gates
Gilding of the inscription reading “TELFAIR ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCES”
Repair and refinishing of original entry doors