Wanna Meet My Capitals?
Several readers have requested close-up images of the column capitals.
And their wish is granted.
The column capitals on the Cross House were custom-designed by architect Charles Squires, and hand-carved. Each is unique.
The capitals are wonderfully eccentric, and oh how I would have loved to have been in the drafting room of Squires as he, certainly, smiled in satisfaction at the finished design.
The Cross House capitals are one of my favorite features of the house. I adore them. But they were in sad shape when I purchased the house. Many were missing. I found some in the backyard, rotting away on the ground. My horror was considerable.
The capitals still in place…
…were encrusted with so much paint that their beauty was was only hinted at.
A block away, Squires designed eccentric column capitals for his own house at 613 Exchange. Almost all the columns were later removed by Squires in a later renovation but three were discovered this year in the basement of 613. A huge whoee moment!
More Squires eccentricity as 819 Constitution. Fabulous!
Although more traditional in design, these capitals at 526 Exchange are also typically eccentric.
Today, the single column capital on the north porch has been restored, and all twelve of the west porch capitals were restored (and some were recreated out of resin) in 2014. On the south porch, and porte-cochère, the capitals are waiting to be resurrected in 2018. When this project is completed, ALL the fabulous Squires capitals will be back in place and all glorious again. And my excitement will be vast.
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As will your readers, neighbors, friends and people who appreciate beauty and loving restoration.
Thank you, Ross, for showing the detailing on your capitals, which have become special to those of us who are following this blog. You went above and beyond in giving us a glimpse into the mind of Squires by showing us other capitals that he designed. Photos of the variety of detailing that he designed for various houses, before and/or after restoration, would make a wonderful book.
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I love that moment when stripping old paint or finish reveals unexpected and beautiful details.
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Most people who restore furniture or architectural detailing hate to do the stripping part. It is one of my favorite parts because of such reveals. Each individual piece of wood like each snowflake is unique in the world that is why seeing the grain of the wood is so important for me. Even fine veneers which are book matched (imagine stacking them as they are cut so that, if you open any two like a book, they match) to create kaleidoscope like designs are not identical although their edges do line up beautifully.
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In the case of your capitals, having been hand carved from different pieces of wood, it would be impossible for them to match, except the ones that were cast out of resin, even if they were carved to the same design. I have been making the assumption until now that all of the capitals on columns in the house were carved to the same design. I now get the impression that that may not be the case. Does each porch have the same set of capital designs?
Hi, Stewart!
All the capitals on the Cross House are the same design. But as they are hand-carved, each is unique.
I like your capitals the best. That’s crazy that someone just left them in the backyard, but luckily they didn’t take the time to throw them away! I don’t remember if you’ve ever said how many years the house stood vacant before Bob(?) bought it. How many columns are on the south side of the house?
Just beautiful. Thanks for the detailed look and the comparisons to others…obviously yours are much more ornate and beautiful. Add to that the way you have antiqued them and they become even more outstanding.
I agree with Stewart about the stripping. I too, enjoy refinishing old furniture and for me, discovering the actual beauty of the wood and detailing is the most fun part of the process!!
Love the detail shots! Thank you.
I’m more of a lower-case guy myself, but they are nice capitals.
Love all the capitals! Each has it’s own unique personality and gloriously add the finishing touches to a house.
Yes, Yes, Yes. Details, people. It is all in the details.
They are wonderful! One thing I noticed, the close ups of other capitals and columns, shows the underlying left on paint. Yours do not as you did such a meticulous job of removing the old paint. Perfection and attention to this detail really does make a big difference. Wonderful job on the paint. I’ve really enjoyed reading all your posts on this home. You’re doing such a great job, on all of it. Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us.