History of the Painted Rooms Project
The removal in 1976 of an entire painted room from Karsdale, Annapolis County to the National Gallery in Ottawa prompted Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia to form its first Painted Rooms Committee. Two active members, Joyce McCulloch and Cora Greenaway instigated the formation of The Friends of the Painted Room Society which existed from 1976 to 1979, with the mission to locate, document and protect historical painted interiors throughout the province. By 1979, nineteen interiors had been catalogued and photographed.
In 2007 the Painted Rooms Project was renewed. A committee was formed with board members Andrew Powter, Wallace Brannen, Joyce MucCulloch and art conservator Michelle Gallinger. The objective was to expand the documentation and to create public awareness of painted rooms as part of our cultural heritage. An important goal was to make information about this part of Nova Scotia heritage available to the public and to researchers. The project also sought to facilitate preservation of historical painted interiors by providing information on maintenance and protection requirements.
About the Painted Rooms of Nova Scotia Database
The database presents documentation (photos, maps, letters, deeds) of 100+ painted rooms and related decorative artifacts found in more than 75 Nova Scotian communities. Each entry in the database contains a descriptive record as well as location, ownership, building information such as plans, and a description of each property and its painted interior.