 |
 |
 |
| Conception
Abbey, Conception, Missouri |
|
|
New Design within an Existing Context
At Conception Abbey, EverGreene’s design charette process of seeking collective input and interpreting the goals of the faith community took place in a monastic setting. The existing decoration at Conception, dating from the late nineteenth century, was heavily degraded and soiled by incense and candle smoke. The scheme was also composed of a very dark and rather overbearing palette. The community decided that they would rather institute a lighter, freer range of color while retaining the unique flavor associated with decoration derived from their mother house in Beuron, Switzerland. EverGreene worked for several years with the community on the adaptations of these elements into a new color scheme and design for ornament that met the aesthetic, nostalgic, and economic goals of the Abbey. Over the course of six months, our fine arts conservation team painstakingly repaired the figural murals painted by a quartet of Swiss and German monks. EverGreene also designed the new clerestory level stained glass, and contributed to the decision-making process for the flooring system. Photo © Bruce Matthews |