PRESERVATION

Conserving and Restoring one of America’s Most Treasured Landmarks

CURRENT PRESERVATION WORK

In 2019, Old Westbury Gardens will begin replacing the 111-year old roof of Westbury House. The roof, sheathed in Collyweston slate, is the only one of its kind in the United States. While procuring the original slate material, Old Westbury Gardens learned that the mine, that had provided slate for illustrious buildings in the U.K. for 600 years, had been closed for 40 years and there were no other sources available. However, in January 2017, the mine reopened, making it possible for the Gardens to proceed with the restoration of this unique and distinctive roof.

In addition to the Collyweston slate, the terra cotta cornice and drainage systems of the Westbury House are deteriorated and will be restored over the next several months. The extensive preservation was made possible by the Landmark Campaign, which was launched in 2018 to support the long-term preservation of Westbury House.

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Restored preservation projects

Old Westbury Gardens facilitated an ambitious restoration effort following the devastating effects of Super Storm Sandy. The Gardens received the Zone III Historic Preservation Commendation for grounds’ restoration.

Restoration efforts of Hemlock hedge in 2017 were honored with the Garden Club of America New York State Preservation Commendation. Additionally, Flowering Dogwoods surrounding the South Lawn that were damaged in Superstorm Sandy were replanted.

Art: The restoration of two paintings in Mr. Phipps’ study were completed in 2018: Sir William Orpen’s Welsh Landscape and George Morland’s The Water Mill were cleaned and stabilized at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts.

South Allee: Phase II of the restoration was completed in 2017 and Phase III completed in 2018.

Service Wing Portico: Restoration was completed in 2017 and opened to the public for the first time in almost 50 years.

Art Restoration

Collections: Conservation progress has been made on archives in both 2017 and 2018, including: 8,000 letters, 2,000 photographs and rare film footage, all which chronicle 150 years of American history.