Newport Restoration Foundation Uses California Paints
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To ensure historical color accuracy, the Newport Restoration Foundation uses California's Historic Colors of America palette in the restoration and maintenance of their 83 historic homes. These houses represent a remarkable collection of early Rhode Island architecture.
1. Wilbour-Ellery House, c.1802 (51 Touro Street)
2. The Sherburne-Nichols House, c.1758 (6 Elm Street)
See more of the Newport Treasures >>
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) located in historic Newport, Rhode Island was created in 1968 due to the urgent need to save the city's rapidly disappearing 18th century architecture. The formidable resources made possible by Doris Duke allowed a preservation effort that few have attempted before or since. The work of over a hundred architects and skilled craftsmen over a period of 16 years ultimately saved 83 structures in and around Newport. These houses, all of which are still owned by the Foundation, represent a remarkable collection of early Rhode Island architecture. Visitors to Newport can see the results of this massive undertaking simply by walking the streets of one of the last wooden cities in America.
Since most of these houses are constructed of wood, protection from the elements, especially in this coastal region is extremely important. NRF Coordinator, Robert Foley started specifying California Paints to be used on these national treasures during the summer of 2001. To ensure historical color accuracy, the NRF chose California's Historic Colors of America palette, which was developed in cooperation with Historic New England, formerly SPNEA (Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities)
Durability and quality of the paint being used are just as important as color accuracy. NRF Painting Supervisor, Brian McCarthy has 25 years of architectural restoration experience and was consulted to determine the best product to use. California Paints Fres~Coat 100% Acrylic Latex Exterior paint was chosen for the job. This product has also been rated "#1 House Paint in America" for 7 consecutive years by the nation's leading Consumer Reporting magazine.
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