/
October brought major advancements in the restoration of the James Brice House, particularly in the areas of masonry reconstruction, structural correction, and finish conservation. The restoration team focused on rebuilding historically accurate fireboxes and chimney structures while also uncovering and stabilizing some of the earliest painted finishes in the house.
These updates highlight the depth of research and craftsmanship supporting this project and offer a closer look at how original 18th century features are being brought back into view.
October 16, 2025
The earliest layer of wall paint in James Brice’s bedroom, the largest room on the second floor, is being conserved by Chris Mills Conservation. Here, Taylor Day has removed all subsequent layers of paint in a small area and is painstakingly conserving the original painted surface. Just as in the stair hall on the first floor, there is sanded lime plaster on the walls of this room which was stained red and then overpainted with a grey oil paint. It is still being determined if the red stain and grey paint had a layer of varnish applied as a third coat.
Our goal is to present the entrance stair hall, the staircase and its wainscot, and James’ bedroom as the only areas within the house that retain original 1774 construction period finishes (most original finishes in the rest of the house were completely stripped in the early to mid 20th century). It is hard to imagine what effect James was going for in this room, but a masculine stone or leather (with a varnish third coat) look are the two most popular suggestions. Let us know what you think.
October 7, 2025
Kevin Nieto and Robert Hall reconstructed the first floor Washroom and second floor fireboxes. The washroom firebox was built on the historic foundation which survived previous alterations to the room. Notice the infilled windows on either side of the washroom firebox.
October 7, 2025
Over the past month, our master masons, Kevin Nieto and Robert Hall, reconstructed the south gable chimney of the east wing and reduced the size of the second floor windows as they had existed historically. They had previously closed two windows on the first floor as they did not exist until the late 19th or early 20th century.
October 7, 2025
For some unknown reason, the previous owners of the Brice House rebuilt most of the gable end of the south wing wall including the chimney. During the rebuilding process, a modern firebox was created on the first floor without a nod towards its historic origins. In order to restore the washroom (laundry) firebox on the first floor and a smaller firebox on the second floor, the modern chimney was removed entirely.
The progress made during this period reflects the significant and complex work involved in restoring a structure as architecturally and historically rich as the Brice House. With each reconstructed firebox, each corrected window opening, and each carefully conserved painted surface, the house moves closer to revealing its authentic 18th century character.
Future updates will continue to share the discoveries and craftsmanship that shape this restoration effort as the project advances.
Learn more about the history and restoration of the James Brice House.