Instructor Bios

Flooring and historic woodworking with Vincent Reed

Course Description:

Spend three days conserving the historic floors, architectural joinery, and interior woodwork of one of New England's most remarkable eighteenth-century houses under the guidance of internationally respected conservator Vincent Reed. Combining traditional craftsmanship with practical preservation techniques, this hands-on workshop will explore the repair, restoration, and stewardship of historic interior finishes. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of period construction methods while developing skills that can be applied to both professional projects and personal preservation efforts. While participants with strong carpentry skills will benefit most, motivated homeowners and preservation enthusiasts with woodworking experience are also welcome.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
‍
-Identify common forms of deterioration and damage found in historic wood flooring and interior woodwork.
-Evaluate historic wood elements and distinguish between repairable fabric and material requiring replacement.
-Demonstrate basic techniques for repairing and conserving historic flooring, trim, and decorative woodwork.
-Understand traditional woodworking methods, joinery, and construction techniques commonly found in eighteenth – and nineteenth-century buildings.
-Select appropriate materials and approaches for preservation-minded repairs.
-Recognize examples of vernacular woodwork and regional building traditions
found in northeastern Connecticut and New England.
-Apply preservation principles that prioritize retention of historic material whenever
possible.
-Develop a framework for planning future woodwork and flooring conservation
projects in historic buildings.

Bonus Lecture: Vernacular Woodwork of Northeastern Connecticut

‍A discussion led by Peter Galloway
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In addition to hands-on instruction, participants will join preservation consultant Peter Galloway for a discussion of the vernacular woodwork traditions of northeastern Connecticut and the surrounding region. Drawing upon examples found throughout The Castle, this session will examine the craftsmanship, materials, design influences, and construction practices that shaped local buildings, helping participants better understand how regional traditions can inform the identification, preservation, and interpretation of historic woodwork.