National Portrait Gallery
Washington DC
In 2005, Rich Muckle was called to consult on extensively damaged historic woodwork at the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian, which had just initiated a $350M restoration. This visit launched the Muckle’s expansion beyond Massachusetts, and M&A Architectural Preservation Inc. was formed, to focus on private projects in higher education, cultural facilities, and other technically challenging preservation projects in the region.
Lead abatement had resulted in severe damage to the already well-worn historical woodwork and paneling in the Old Patent Office, DC’s third oldest public building. Rich Muckle developed a method for saving the extensive window and door paneling from demolition, by neutralizing the substrate, repairing the damaged wood fibers, and making selective dutchmen patches to replace moldings and panels. Additionally, M&A furnished and installed the museum’s new millwork and casework.
Project Photos
