Terra-cotta maintenance and repair guide, undated

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Preservation Brief 7: The Preservation of Historic Glazed Architectural Terra-Cotta Page 13 of 14

pieces in place.

Summary Today, many of this country's buildings are constructed of glazed architectural terra- cotta. However, many of these are in a state of serious deterioration and decay. Glazed architectural terra-cotta was, in many ways, the "wonder" material of the American building industry in the late 19th century and during the first decades of the 20th century. New technology and methods of rehabilitation now hold promise for the restoration and rehabilitation of these invaluable and significant resources. Restoration/rehabilitation work on glazed architectural terra-cotta is demanding and will not tolerate halfway measures. Today's preservation work should equal the spirit,, attention to detail, pride in workmanship and care which characterized the craftsmanship associated with this widely used, historic masonry material.

Suggested Further Readings "Recipes for Baked Earth." Progressive Architecture (November, 1977).

McIntyre, W.A. Investigations into the Durability of Architectural Terra Cotta. Special Report 12. London: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Building Research Station, 1929.

Prudon, Theodore H.M. "Architectural Terra-cotta: Analyzing the Deterioration Problems and Restoration Approaches." Technology and Conservation, Vol. 3 (Fall, 1978), pp. 30- 38.

Prudon, Theodore H.M. Terra Cotta as a Building Material. A Bibliography. Ottawa, Ontario: Association for Preservation Technology, 1976.

Acknowledgements This Preservation Brief was written by de Teel Patterson Tiller, Architectural Historian, Technical Preservation Services Division. Information for this publication was based in part upon interviews and consultation with Theodore H.M. Prudon, The Ehrenkrantz Group, P.C., New York, New York. Additional comments and information were provided by Si A. Bortz, Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois, and Jerry G. Stockbridge, Wiss, Janney, Elstner, and Associates, Northbrook, Illinois.

Washington, D.C. June, 1979

Home page logo: Terra-cotta detail on the Adams Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo: NPS files.

This publication has been prepared pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and make available information concerning historic properties. Technical Preservation Services (TPS), Heritage Preservation Services Division, National Park Service prepares standards, guidelines, and other educational materials on responsible historic preservation treatments for a broad public.

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