While removing the last remnants of plaster ceiling, he uncovered what appears to be a mural, painted on the old plaster ceiling of the storefront.
Most of the mural had been painted over and then covered in a skimmed coat and then painted several times again. Only parts of the ceiling had been exposed to enough indirect moisture that the layers of paint had peeled off from the original ceiling, unveiling its history.
The mural appears to have a deco border around the perimeter of the storefront with a large painting of a landscape in the center of the room.
Unfortunately, the plaster ceiling is beyond repair and saving the mural is impossible.
This is probably a blessing though, as current building codes will require increased insulation and fire suppresion between the storefront and living space on the 2nd floor, which would be nearly impossible if we were to preserve the original ceiling.
Maybe someday we'll cross paths with a creative Art Academy or DAAP student who will be interested in recreating a ceiling mural- something that might reflect the building's more recent history.
2 comments:
We uncovered Neo Grec stencil deigns throughout out 1871 second empire cottage.
I don't think they are art deco , probably Victorian and probably very elaborate.
It would be worth the effort to do some research. maybe newspaper archives or Cincinnati historical Society might have old photos.
From a photo like this,it would be possible to extrapolate the overall design. Finding an old photo however, would be golden.
This can be repainted on the new ceiling and I would encourage you to consider it. It would make for a unique retail space!
Artwork, stenciling and murals make Cincinnati a very special place.
certainly save the fragments of the painted plaster ceiling if you can! if not, photograph them in high detail!
Paul is right, it would be very cool if these could be repainted one day.
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