The Hunnewell Cottage in Wellesley, Massachusetts, designed by John Sturgis and built in 1871, underwent a significant addition in 1879 that would later prove invaluable in restoring the building's original paint scheme . This addition, which originally featured a two-color paint scheme of dark red and dark green, became a guide for identifying the finish layers of the original scheme when the paint study began in 1991 . For homeowners in Wellesley seeking to restore their historic properties, the story of the Hunnewell Cottage's 1879 addition demonstrates the importance of understanding a building's architectural evolution and the value of paint analysis in preservation.

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The 1879 Addition: A Key to Unlocking the Original Paint Scheme

The Hunnewell Cottage was originally constructed in 1871 as an elaborate Stick Style house . In 1879, an addition was built, and this addition originally had a two-color paint scheme—a dark red and dark green design . When the paint study began in 1991, the existing paint scheme on the original house was confusing and complex. All of the wooden elements had been painted tan, and the shutters had been removed, making it difficult to identify the original colors . Craters made in the paint, examined with field microscopes, revealed an interesting but confusing layering sequence . However, by comparing the layers on the original house with that of the 1879 addition, researchers were able to use the addition's two-color scheme as a guide, both in the field and in the laboratory, for identifying the finish layers of the original scheme .

The Process of Paint Analysis

The paint analysis of the Hunnewell Cottage began with an examination of a circa 1875 photograph that showed a polychromatic paint scheme in the varying tonality of the black and white image . On-site work began during the summer of 1992 with a quick examination of the existing paint scheme . In the field, some of the general colors of the original paint could be identified—the tan on the clapboards, the red-brown on the trim, the blue on the underside of the gables, and the bright red-orange that was used to accentuate some of the architectural trim . In the laboratory, microscopic examination of paint-sample cross sections revealed that the original design had been created with eight different colors and that the paints on the trim had been built up in layers, with the dominant red-brown trim color applied first, followed by the different colors used to accentuate the architectural ornament .

The Colors Identified

The eight colors used to re-create the original paint scheme included brown for the clapboards, dark red for the wood trim principal color, dark olive green for the blinds and window sash, sky blue for the underside of overhanging gables, mustard yellow for the vertical board sheathing, olive green for the incised detail in the vertical board sheathing, dark red for the gable brackets, and orange for the ornamental wood trim highlighting . The clapboard and trim paint colors were selected to blend with the cast stone and brownstone of the first story, while the colors used to pick out the detail of the architectural trim were those found in the glazed tile with brightly colored geometric patterns set into a decorative band of brickwork at the junction of the first and second stories .

The Importance of Additions and Alterations in Historic Preservation

The role of the 1879 addition in the restoration of the Hunnewell Cottage highlights the importance of understanding a building's architectural evolution. Additions and alterations can provide valuable clues about original finishes and materials, making them essential resources for preservation efforts . For homeowners of historic properties, documenting the history of their homes and preserving original features, even in additions, can be invaluable for future restoration projects.

Conclusion

The 1879 addition to the Hunnewell Cottage played a crucial role in restoring the building's original paint scheme. By comparing the layers on the addition with those on the original house, researchers were able to identify the eight colors used in the original polychromatic design. This story demonstrates the importance of understanding a building's architectural evolution and the value of paint analysis in historic preservation. Suetam Painting & Finishes delivers authentic, period-appropriate results that honor the architectural legacy of Wellesley's historic homes.