The long anticipated restoration of the Roycroft Campus has finally begun. A hard working crew of volunteers began the process of forensic demolition of the 1918 addition to the Copper Shop. Several layers of non-historic finishes were carefully removed revealing the original design of the "finishing room" for the first time in over 60 years. The north wing of the Shop was originally constructed to house the finishing process of the copper pieces produced by the master metal smiths of the Roycroft. Eva Strong operated a gift shop in the Copper Shop and converted this room into her family's apartment in the 1950's. Several other operators maintained a gift shop in the Copper shop until the RCC purchased it in April 2005 from Kitty Turgeon, long time owner and Roycroft scholar.
Local architect Ted Lownie has completed a Historic Structures Report (HSR) that documents the building's history, function and changes from its initial construction in 1902 to its current condition. Flynn Bataglia Architects of Buffalo have now been retained as our architects to perform the design services for the RCC's Campus wide restoration efforts. Peter Flynn and his firm have an impressive resume of excellent historic preservation work.
Our first task is to make this newly created space habitable. We are creating a space to showcase our growing inventory of beautiful artisan made furniture and decorative arts. We have found that our current gallery space is not large enough to properly showcase these works of art. The work conducted during this phase will be temporary. We anticipate that the full restoration of the Copper shop will take place within three to four years. The reconstruction of the fire damaged Power House will be our first major restoration project. The RCC hopes to begin construction on the Power House in 2007 depending on our success in raising the necessary funds. You can help us in our restoration efforts by sending in your tax deductible contributions.
Exciting news about visible progress at the Copper Shop. Now we understand why all the noise in the 'finishing room' and those overfilled dumpsters out back.
Posted by: Janet Utts | October 02, 2006 at 01:46 PM
It is wonderful for visitors at the Hubbard museum to be directed to the Copper Shop to see and hear of the work being done.
Posted by: don | October 15, 2006 at 01:02 PM
Hello:
I'm interested on information concerning attending the next coppersmithing class.
Please contact me regarding this"
716.560.3764
-Neil
Posted by: neil | September 04, 2008 at 01:42 PM