Gravestone Preservation Workshop
Led by Jonathan Appell- Gravestone Conservator- Monumental Mason
Saturday, August 28, and Sunday, August 29
9 a.m. to 4 p.
At the Village Cemetery- Ancient Section
1 Marsh Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109
The goal of this workshop, is to overview and educate those who attend, regarding the various aspects of gravestone and cemetery monument preservation, including all the most common problems and conservation treatments.
The workshop will begin with a walk and talk tour, through one of the oldest graveyards in New England. This interactive discussion will also highlight, David Kelly, who has had a life long involvement with the cemetery, and is the president of the Wethersfield Cemetery Assoc.
Topics to be covered will include:
Basic geology relating to gravestones and monuments
Typical gravestone and monument styles and common problems associated with them
How to clean marble, brownstone, granite and masonry
Raising, re-leveling and re-setting gravestones
How to repair fallen gravestones
We will create a cast socket base, and reset a gravestone broken at the ground level
Repairing fractured gravestones and monuments
Stone Epoxies, pros and cons and proper mixing and application
Mortars, a brief historic overview, lime & NHL mortars, problems with Portland cement
Infilling, creating mortars, color matching and application
Workshop Logistics:
Each attendant will receive a binder with extensive printed materials.
Lunch will be provided on both days.
Unlimited cold bottled water will be provided.
There will be plenty of shady areas and we will work in the shade to avoid the hot August sun as much as possible. Canopy tents will also be used as needed.
The workshop will be a, hands on interactive event, meaning that all who attend can
help perform the work, photograph, or just watch as they choose to, or are able.
You are welcome to tape, photograph or video the workshop as desired.
The workshop will be limited to 12 attendants on a first come first serve basis
Pre-registration is highly advised to ensure a space.
The day of the event registration will be allowed if space is still available. Please call or email me a day or two before if you decide to wait until the last minute.
Workshop Fee:
The cost to attend this 2- day intensive gravestone preservation workshop is $295.
Please make checks payable to me, Joanthan Appell
As mentioned above, lunch, unlimited cold bottled water and a binder of printed materials are included in this fee.
All tools and materials are provided, including disposable gloves.
Please dress for working outdoors in summer weather.
Please email or phone me with any questions.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the event!
