Wilderstein was recently awarded a challenge grant from the Gerry Charitable Trust for the restoration of the Dining Room.  Thanks to the generosity of Wilderstein's members and supporters, we are quickly closing in on raising the necessary matching funds to move forward with this project.
 
The Dining Room was designed by J.B. Tiffany in the English Renaissance style with a coffered ceiling, carved woodwork and floor all of mahogany.  The plaster frieze is painted to simulate mahogany.  The wall covering is a wool fabric with large golden chrysanthemums woven into the tapestry.  The family silver also bore the imprint of this flower.
 
This room has been virtually untouched since 1888.  Necessary work will entail:

• conservation of the mahogany wood paneling on the walls and coffered ceiling (cleaning, re-staining damaged areas, applying two coats of brown wax);
• restoration of the plaster frieze (cleaning, repairing failed areas, reconstructing damaged areas, applying paint and glazes to match existing colors);
• cleaning and repair of the wool wall covering. 

Three years ago, the tooled leather wall covering in the Entry Hall was restored and last year the stenciled ceiling in the Library was restored.  The conservation of these rooms represents a major achievement for us, and has had a huge impact on our visitor experience.