About this project

The Beekman Coach is one of the last remaining colonial carriages. The coach was constructed around 1770, likely in England, and acquired by James Beekman, a wealthy New York dry goods merchant. It was eventually donated to the New York Historical Society & Library, which is the oldest museum in the city.

In 2020, the NY Historical Society was awarded an IMLS, "Save America's Treasures" grant for the conservation of the 1770, Beekman Coach. BRH was honored and excited to have been selected to perform the conservation treatment.

Conservation Treatment

BRH was able to remove heavy accumulations of dirt, grime, and darkened varnish layers that hid the original murals, decorative paint, and gold leaf schemes which had once been applied. This was done, using aqueous cleaning gels that were custom formulated and tested in our lab.

The areas of flaking paint were consolidated. Areas of loss were filled and inpainted using reversible materials and paints. Missing wooden finials and hardware were replicated and the deteriorated leather body support straps were reproduced to match the originals. The original textiles, and lace components were also conserved and stabilized at our facility before returning the coach back to the historical society.