Interior of Eldridge Street Synagogue during restoration, circa 1990

Historic preservationists must uncover and analyze the work of artisans of the past in order to repair and restore artwork and structures.

Painter restores an interior design, Eldridge Street Synagogue, circa 2006

Painting was one of the most common decorative arts in the 19th century. In addition to decorative designs, skilled painters could create surfaces that resembled wood and marble. Restoration work involves making an inventory of colors, materials and techniques before the planned work of restoration or replication can begin.

Twenty years

Restoration work on the interior of the Eldridge Street Synagogue took more than twenty years to complete. The skills of union members and independent artisans combine in massive works of historic preservation and restoration in New York. Evergreen Architectural Arts is one company that specializes in such work. The completed restoration of the painted interior of the Eldridge Street Synagogue and Museum in lower Manhattan in 2008 was the product of more than 81 skilled workers.