by HJ HOLTZ | Mar 16, 2017 | Client Work, Wallcoverings
The craftsmen at H.J. Holtz and Son had the privilege of helping preserve and share American history by hanging graphic murals in the The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This new facility, which is replacing the Yorktown Victory Center in Yorktown, VA, will host a grand opening celebration from March 23-April 4, 2017 to officially launch the new museum.
The graphic murals created by Keith Farby are a visual backdrop for the museum’s artifacts and exhibits. Hanging them takes extreme precision and attention to detail. If the graphic is off by ⅛”, everyone will notice it.
The curator and the head of the museum laid out the graphic murals in the correct order. The murals were 54” wide and 14-15 ft. tall. When hanging such large murals, we have to hang from left to right, making sure each panel lines up with the previous panel all along the seam. This required two to three installers to set the top, middle and bottom of each panel. Several of the murals were made up of 10 or more panels.
There were many obstacles to overcome while hanging these graphic murals. In one instance we had to hang the mural in the glass case with hardly enough room for an installer and a ladder. Not only was it challenging to place it perfectly in the case, in that situation the mural had stretched on the press. Therefore no matter how we manipulated it, it would not line up. Ultimately, it had to be reprinted. We used a lift for several men to hang a high scenic mural, and in one section, we had to secure a ladder on concrete faux dirt! There were also curved walls that we hung murals on, which required extra patience to make sure everything lined up.
We always go into a job with the mindset of treating it like it is our own home. Working at the Yorktown Museum was no different. Our experience and attention to detail made the final product look fabulous on the walls and we hope the visitors enjoy all of the history at their fingertips!
by HJ HOLTZ | Feb 21, 2017 | Client Work, Wallcoverings
Hanging a wallcovering is always a challenging job, however imagine if you were installing a custom wallcovering that was measured specially for each nook and cranny and every sketch custom designed for your space? There are many companies, such as Zuber, de Gourney, Starke, Gracie and Paul Montgomery that produce hand painted murals. At H.J. Holtz & Son we have the expertise to handle this custom job.
The wallcovering we installed at this project was paper-backed silk with a hand painted chinoiserie by Paul Montgomery Fine Murals. The walls were repaired where needed by a plasterer and we primed the walls using our primer of choice, Gardz. Muslin, a plain cotton fabric, was then applied to all of the walls to help ease any future removal of the wallcovering. To give stability, absorb excess paste, and also let us know where problem areas may occur during installation, we applied a blank stock liner.
The blueprints were checked within the space. We reviewed each panel to see if there were any defects or discrepancies present in design, layout, or painting design. Some were found which is common with any hand painted goods. We determined they were minor so it would be better to repair them and make adjustments after the installation. Our other alternative was to send the panels back and wait approximately 4-6 months for a new panel that may or may not be a significantly better match. Once these steps were completed, we were ready to begin hanging the hand painted silk wallcovering.
We started hanging the wallcovering in a niche on the landing, which was the main focal point. You can see how customized the design is. The peacock is centered perfectly in the niche as the branches and flowers flow seamlessly through the curved wall.
We had the complexity of working with multiple off corners as well as plaster unevenness, which is common on older homes. Because of our experience, we were able to make these adjustments without issues.
Once all of the wallcovering was hung, we went back and reviewed the design. At the homeowner’s request we hand painted and appliquéd additional birds, butterflies, and plants throughout the wallcovering using watercolor and gouache paints.
Notice how beautifully the the custom design moves up the stairs with the wainscoting and how the branches surround the arched doorway.
The finished product is this absolutely gorgeous foyer! We were not only able to install the custom designed wallcovering, but our skilled craftsmen were also were able to add additional decorative finishes.
by HJ HOLTZ | Nov 15, 2016 | Decorating Tips, Wallcoverings
Did you know that “wallpaper” is no longer called “wallpaper?” It is now called “wallcovering” because there are so many different materials being hung on walls and ceilings! Adding wallcovering can add a pattern, texture, color, or a scene and can change the entire look of a room! Let’s review some trends in wallcoverings.
Designers are recommending single artist wallcoverings. Lindsay Cowles, a local decorative artist, digitally manipulates her paintings into patterns for wallcoverings. We installed her wallcovering in the bathroom in the 2016 Symphony House at Pineapple Acre.
We are applying wallcovering on ceilings! In the photo below the wallcovering is adding interest and pattern to the ceiling, complementing the hand distressed walls.
Natural grass cloths are extremely popular right now. From sisal, jute, hemp, to linens, these wallcoverings can come in a variety of patterns and colors.
Hanging scenes is a beautiful look as well. Depending on the style, they can be used in residential homes, commercial buildings, or museums.
Below is a MDC commercial wallcovering. Created from plastic, this wallcovering is extremely durable. Not only is it strong but it gives dimension and a modern feel in this Rocketts Landing penthouse.
We are members of the WIA, the Wallcovering Installers Association. Per their website, “The Wallcovering Installers Association is an organization of wallcovering installers dedicated to superior craftsmanship in the hanging of every type of wallcovering. We are an industry leader in the advancement in the use of wallcoverings in residential and commercial environments. Our members pride themselves in staying current with state-of-the art methods for wallcovering installation and wallpaper removal in addition to preserving the time-honored practices of installing historic wall hangings.”
Our master wallcovering hanger, Jeff Ragland, says the WIA is an excellent resource for wallcovering hangers. The WIA community works together to learn how to use new products, solve problems and improve skills. They have conventions and workshops, plus tools you can purchase that may be difficult to attain locally. Jeff has taught classes in our shop and attended classes hosted by the WIA. The networking is unbelievable and it is not unusual for hangers from other companies to travel to a job if they have more experience with the material. Jeff has installed in several states, working with his peers. It is a great asset to our company to belong to such a valuable organization and our hangers optimize their skills by utilizing the offerings they have.
