Resume
Stuart C.W. Stark, B.F.A., B.Arch.
EDUCATION:
1984 • Bachelor of Architecture University of British Columbia
1973 • Bachelor of Fine Arts (with distinction) University of Victoria
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION
1986 • Course: Conservation of Cultural Property
(Building Conservation) with Sir Bernard Feilden architect to St. Paul’s Cathedral
University of Victoria
1979 • Six-month Museum Design Course
Department of Architecture
Heriot-Watt University/Edinburgh College of Art,
Edinburgh, Scotland
1975 • Course: Conservation of Antiquities HA 483
University of Victoria
EMPLOYMENT
1984 to present • Historic Building Restoration Consultant and Designer.
• Retailer, Design Director (1989-present) of historic wallpapers, fabrics, tiles through Online catalogue: www.HistoricStyle.com
• Design Director, Manufacturer (1989-present) of historic wallpapers and fabrics through Charles Rupert Designs Limited: www.CharlesRupertDesigns.com
1987 – 88 • Contract as Executive Director, Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum, Victoria, B.C.
1973 – 81 • British Columbia Provincial Museum (RBCM) Exhibits Division: Designer
Selected Heritage Projects:
These are selected projects only, and do not include many residential commissions.
2011 • Window Assessment Report for Helmcken House, Victoria, B.C.
This report researched all of the windows in the second-oldest house in British Columbia. The windows were assessed as to current condition, changes over the years, whether they had been replaced in the past, and appropriate restoration techniques to be used for their preservation.
The task was made more difficult by the lack of documentation on changes and work that had been done in the past, as well as taking into account the three phases of construction in the building 1852, 1856 and 1883. Additionally, the house had been in public hands since 1949, and early work on the house, though well-intentioned, was sometimes at odds with long term preservation goals. The thirty windows were individually photographed, assessed and recorded to provide a base line of information for future preservation and restoration work. Recommendations were made as to both general and specific techniques of restoration and preservation for the windows.
For the Royal British Columbia Museum
2011
2010 • Report on the Interior Restoration and Furnishing of the Entrance Hall
Dundurn National Historic Site • Hamilton Ontario, Canada
This significant historic site, built in 1835 and later, was restored in 1967 for Canada’s Centennial. The Entrance Hall is the first room to be restored in a project to gradually restore and refurnish the rooms of the house. Work included onsite research to determine the original painted “marble block” decoration of the walls; recommend light fixtures and furnishings; and appropriate paint colours for the Restoration Period of 1856. A 139 page report was written, with elevation drawings recording findings from the onsite investigations, and drawings of the projected layouts of the completed Marble Block decoration.
For: Dundurn National Historic Site and the City of Hamilton
2009 • Irving House: Interior Heritage Conservation Plan
Built in 1865, Irving House was first made into a City Museum in 1945, and gradually transformed into a Historic House Museum over the years. This project was to determine the dates of construction and alterations of various building elements and features, and make recommendations as to the conservation and restoration possibilities for the house. Working with Simone Vogel-Horridge, conservator, who took paint and wallpaper samples for chronological purposes and record keeping, and made her own recommendations for cleaning and conservation of historic finishes.
For: Irving House Museum, the City of New Westminster and Eric Pattison, Architect.
1999 – 2010 • Restoration of Ross Bay Villa (1865), Victoria
In his capacity as Board Member, The Land Conservancy of British Columbia. Stuart Stark was the volunteer (1999 – 2010) Heritage Consultant for the restoration of this rare 1865 residence, to be an Interpretation Centre for the historic Ross Bay Cemetery. Three rooms [Hall; Drawing Room; and Dining Room] are being restored to their 1865 appearance for public visits with bedrooms planned to house heritage-related offices.
The grounds have been planned to conserve a sense of an historic 1860’s garden in an urban environment, while allowing different parts of the grounds to be used for a formal garden, an orchard garden, a vegetable garden and a compost/potting/work area on two city lots.
The restoration work is primarily being carried out by volunteers under direction of volunteer professionals. The project is a flagship for TLC’s heritage preservation program.
For: The Land Conservancy of British Columbia
2009 • Planning the Period Rooms at the Anglican Vicarage At Fort Steele
A planning trip, working with the curator at Fort Steele Historic Town, to plan for the historically correct furnishings for the main interior rooms of this significant residence. Assessment of the Furnishings Collection, choosing of artifacts, training staff in the methods of researching correct furnishings for the period.
For: Friends of Fort Steele Historic Town
2009 • Preparation of a Statement of Significance for Historic Lime Kiln
As an initial step for the preservation of an historic Lime Kiln, the Statement of Significance is required to apply for funding for preservation studies to stabilize and restore this rare feature of industrial heritage in View Royal
For: The Town of View Royal
2008 – Recreating Historic Wallpapers for Biltmore
From one repeat and some tiny fragments discovered in two rooms at Biltmore, Stuart Stark, in association with Charles Rupert Designs Limited, recreated two colourways of wallpaper for the restoration of two of the four rooms in the Louis XV suite of guest bedrooms, which were opened to the public for viewing in April of 2009.
Biltmore was designed by the celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt in a lavish French chateaux style of architecture. Biltmore has 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement houses a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants’ quarters, kitchens, and more.
Bitmore is the largest private house in North America, and is operated as a very successful Historic House Museum. Set on an estate of 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, just outside of Asheville, Biltmore is renowned for its care in curatorial restoration.
The distinctive wallpaper was designed to mimic tapestry, and has a fine network of gold and black lines that simulate the warp and weft of fabric. Exacting attention was paid to the artwork that enabled the pattern to be faithfully replicated, and many strike-offs were made prior to printing, in order to capture the print quality of the original papers.
For: Biltmore Estate
2008 – A Draft Conservation Management Plan for Keating Farm Estate
Stuart Stark researched and developed a Conservation Management plan for this 27 acre historic Farm Estate south of Duncan. This draft plan included research and identification of the historic resources of the Site, (buildings and structures); and planning constraints (water supplies; road access; development near streams and wells; regional district zoning and road restrictions; etc.) – all summarized on a large map of the Keating Farm Estate.
The map and accompanying report included identification of heritage structures, options for visitor parking; visitor access and entry; separation of farm access from visitors; development of pathways; potential development and access to the forest/stream areas; boundary changes in regards to hedgerows and planting; and future landscaping considerations. Balancing wildlife conservation requirements (a rare bat colony inhabits outbuildings) with visitor access had to be planned as well. Budget issues have delayed part two of this planning project.
For: The Land Conservancy of British Columbia
2008 • Preparation of a Statement of Significance for the Elkington House
As part of a greater project to preserve the historic Elkington House in its original setting of 50 acres of a rare Garry Oak meadow near Duncan British Columbia
For: The Nature Conservancy of Canada
2007 – 2008 • Preservation Planning for Royal Oak Schoolhouse
As part of a development package, Saanich municipality sold this property for development, with the stipulation that the 1884 one-room schoolhouse on this property be preserved as part of the much higher density development proposed for the site. As part of a development package, Saanich municipality sold this property for development, with the stipulation that the 1884 one-room schoolhouse on this property be preserved as part of the much higher density development proposed for the site.
As a Heritage Consultant, working with the developer to find a suitable alternative site on the property to allow public visibility of the Schoolhouse; restoration of its original height and colours; and provide a suitable setting on grass amid native plantings and a replica cedar snake fence. Project completed by the developer. The Schoolhouse now houses a restaurant able to be rented for evening public meetings.
For Ed Geric; Mike Geric Construction
2006 • Wallpaper Conservation Assessment and Furnishings Concept Report
Hat Creek Ranch Historic Site • Cache Creek, B.C.
A contract to assess the requirements for conservation of wallpapers in the historic Hat Creek Ranch Roadhouse, with a view to cleaning, preservation, and reattachment where possible. Assess the conservation of the historic linoleum in the building. Prepare a concept plan for an appropriate Furnishings Plan for areas of the historic Roadhouse, with a view to using existing resources and available artifacts at the site. Existing Interpretation plans will be incorporated as part of the Furnishings Plan. Visitor access and conservation of the historic resource will both be incorporated into the report.
A joint project with Simone Vogel-Horridge, Conservator, who primarily looked at the wallpapers, and Stuart Stark, who primarily looked at the Furnishings Plan and overall presentation of the Site.
For The Friends of Historic Hat Creek Ranch
2005 • Writing Statements of Significance for Heritage Buildings for Oak Bay
A contract to write Statements of Significance for 15 Heritage Buildings to add to the Heritage Register for the Corporation of the District of Oak Bay. This contract involves researching, visiting, assessing, and writing the Statements for the establishment of a Heritage Register, as well as to be consistent with Provincial and National Standards.
For the Municipality of Oak Bay
2005 • Royal Theatre Façade Restoration
Stuart Stark was the heritage consultant for the exterior restoration of the 1910 Royal Theatre in the Spring of 2005. Responsible for paint sampling, analysis and recommendation of colours and finishes.
Also responsible for research, restoration consultation on the restoration of the original stained glass canopy, including sourcing of historic metalwork, and appropriate historic enrichment for the Canopy. (Canopy not proceeding as part of current phase of restoration)
For Allan Cassidy Architect; The Royal Theatre and the Capital Regional District
Award winning project from Heritage Society of B.C.
2005 • Original Colour Analysis for the Crystal Gardens Interior/Exterior
Sampled, analyzed, and colour matched the original 1925 paint colours for the interior and the exterior of the Crystal Garden in Victoria, an original glass-roofed swimming pool, as it is being turned into a visitor attraction
For: Gary McCartie Productions/Carl Peterson, Architect/ BC Experience
2003 • Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse National Historic Site
As Heritage Consultant, worked on preparing Craigflower Manor for transfer to a non-profit body prior to the privatization of the provincial Historic Sites. This involved researching period carpeting and having it specially rewoven and fitted in three rooms of the site, and having appropriate period curtains made for seven windows for the main floor rooms of the Manor.
For The Heritage Properties Branch, Government of British Columbia
2003 • Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse National Historic Site
As Heritage Consultant, worked on the transfer of this site to The Land Conservancy of British Columbia during the Provincial Government’s Privatization of the Provincial Historic Sites. Worked on the transfer of documents, artifact inventories, and re-establishment of the historically correct furnishing of Period Rooms throughout Craigflower Manor (1856) and Craigflower Schoolhouse (1854). Also set up exhibits on the History of the Schoolhouse. To be able to reopen the Sites to the Public after being closed for ten years.
For The Land Conservancy of British Columbia
2002 • Oak Bay Heritage Strategic Plan
With Don Luxton & Associates, prepared a Heritage Strategic Plan for Oak Bay.
This plan outlined a priorized strategy for the development of Oak Bay’s heritage conservation policies for the next five years. It answered key questions about the existing situation, defined a community vision for heritage, and recommended an Action Plan for implementation. The strategic plan asked, and answered, four key questions: Current status; Future goals; Direction required; and Resources needed to attain the goals.
It was recognized that there was an immediate need to address heritage management issues in Oak Bay. Recommendations were therefore made in this report to address management and communication issues in a more detailed way than is usual in a strategic planning exercise.
For: The Municipality of Oak Bay
2002 • Royal Theatre – Interior Paint Investigation/Restoration of Scagliola In Boxes of Theatre
Stuart Stark was the principal consultant for an interior paint analysis of the interior of the Royal Theatre in the Summer of 2002. Essentially a ‘salvage’ analysis (due to the only scaffolding access being available at short notice), colour samples were taken from the main areas of the interior between balcony and stage and proscenium arch. Poor evidence was found of the original murals around the doors of the boxes, but they were extremely damaged, apparently painted with a powdery paint.
A professional conservation team led by Simone Vogel-Horridge was hired to strip the paint on the columns and underside of the boxes, and to restore the original scagliola finish on the columns of the boxes, and the walls below the box and the undersides of the boxes. Further restoration work could not be done at this time, due to budget and access restrictions.
For The Royal Theatre and the Capital Regional District
Award winning project from Heritage Society of British Columbia
2001 • Restoration of Dining Room – Point Ellice House Historic Site
Stuart Stark and Simone Vogel-Horridge worked on the restoration of this historic dining room to its 1884 appearance. Point Ellice House was built in the 1860’s and was altered and extended several times. The original 1884 wallpaper (wallpaper, ceiling, border and trim papers) – brought by the family after a trip to London – was revealed, replicated and reapplied, as were the original paint colours for the cornice and ceiling rose.
For the Heritage Properties Branch – Government of British Columbia
1996 • Premier’s Garage – Original Historic Colour Scheme
Stuart Stark researched, sampled and analysed the historic paint on this small, but significant historic building on the grounds of the Legislative Buildings in Victoria, B.C.
For: British Columbia Buildings Corporation, Government of British Columbia
1995-1998 • Restoration of St. Ann’s Academy Chapel (1858) and Parlours
Stuart Stark, Heritage Consultant, and Robert Patterson, Engineer, were the Restoration Consultants for this project
They researched and directed the restoration of the interior of the 1858 Chapel at St. Ann’s Academy (the oldest religious building in British Columbia) and the interior of the 1886 Interpretive Centre, of two parlours, and central hallway and staircase. Complete investigation and analysis of the historic finishes and architectural detail. Research and development of reconstruction drawings for missing building elements such as the main altar and altar rail. Site supervision and sourcing of materials and fittings as well as supervision of painters, craftspeople, conservators, restoration of altars, planning of lighting fixtures, carpets etc.
Work also included research into exterior finishes such as sanded paint and original paint colours for the building as well as original roof materials, and the gold leaf on the cross of the cupola.
For B.C. Buildings Corporation, Peter Kallos Project Manager; Paul Merrick Architects
Award Winning Project: Louis Award for “Outstanding Restoration Project”
from The Hallmark Society 2000
(Also co-authored the 1986 report Concept Plan for the Restoration and Re-use of St. Ann’s Academy, upon which the restoration, in part, was based, with John Keay, architect and Robert Patterson, Engineer)
1995 – 1997 • Restoration of Supreme Courtroom – Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Victoria, B.C.
Stuart Stark and Robert Patterson directed the restoration of the earliest extant provincial courtroom in British Columbia. Work included the preparation of a complete report on the proposed restoration including a detailed survey of the existing building fabric and finishes, archival research, planning for restoration and adaptive reuse as a meeting room/theatre/multi-media space. Implementation of the report included detailed working drawings and specifications, sourcing materials and fixtures, site supervision, inspection and project expediting
For The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Award winning Project:
For Outstanding Achievement of the Restoration of the Vice- Admiralty Courtroom, from The Heritage Society of British Columbia
1997 • Telegraph Office, Dawson City, Colour Analysis
Stuart Stark completed an interior and exterior analysis of the history of paint and other finishes on this c1901 telegraph office that was turned into a residence c1908.
Report will aid in planning restoration feasibility for the building
For: Yukon Heritage Branch
1996 • Train Depot, Carcross, Yukon, Paint Colour Analysis
Stuart Stark completed a microscopic analysis of all of the paint layers and other finishes, both interior and exterior, having determined the additions and room use changes over the years in preparation for repainting the building in historic original colours as part of an ongoing program of preservation and restoration. Matching historic colours to modern paint specifications
For: Yukon Heritage Branch
1996 • Maintenance Guidelines for Heritage Buildings
Stuart Stark researched and wrote guidelines for maintenance standards for heritage buildings in British Columbia, including a section on the necessity of disaster planning
For: The Heritage Conservation Branch, Government of British Columbia
1996 • Drill Hall – Exterior Colour Analysis
Sampled, and analyzed the exterior trim colours on this significant historic brick building in the Legislative Precinct.
For: The Province of British Columbia
1995 • Speaking Tour: Oregon
Presented Lecture titled: “New Century, New Homes: The Rise of the Bungalow in the Pacific Northwest”
Also spoke to the University of Oregon preservation program, Eugene
For: Heritage Preservation League of Oregon
1994 – 95 • Finlayson/Joaquin Residence:
Designer of the complete restoration of this important Heritage-designated 1912 Arts and Crafts home in Victoria
Work included: specifying reproduction light fixtures, period wallpaper, carpets, paint, preservation of historic tile, hardware specifications, furniture design and construction, replication of original cabinetry. Exterior colours were analyzed and specified and garden layout and planters were recommended.
This project was featured in Old House Interiors magazine
For: Dr. Finlayson and Dr. Joaquin
1994 – 95 • Emily Carr House: Restoration of 1864 Stairhall Decoration
With Margaret Graham-Bell, Conservator, Researched, planned and oversaw the restoration and recreation of the original 1864 finishes of the hall and stairway of this National Historic Site.
Directed plaster repair, painting, graining of woodwork. Personally produced over 1500 square feet of ‘marbleized’ wallpaper using original nineteenth-century techniques and materials; Directed installation of wallpaper. Conservation and/or replication of door hardware and light fixtures.
For: Heritage Properties Branch, Government of B.C.
1994 – 1995 • Design and Construction Supervision of Point Ellice House Visitor Reception Centre
Stuart Stark, Robert Patterson & Associates designed this building to resemble the original 1878 barn (burnt in 1956) on the grounds of Point Ellice House, a National Historic Site and House Museum in Victoria. To provide visitor reception, gift shop space, interpretive space, curatorial offices washrooms and artifact storage.
For: Heritage Properties Branch of the Government of British Columbia
1994 • Brent’s Mill, Kelowna, B.C. Preservation Report
Stuart Stark prepared a Feasibility and Desirability of Preservation Planning Report. This 1872 mill, Kelowna’s oldest industry, was researched and inspected to aid in planning for the preservation of this important Kelowna heritage site.
For: Kelowna Heritage Foundation
1993 – 94 • Nairne House, Master Suite
Design and Construction Supervision of Upstairs Suite in attic of 1893 Heritage-designated house in Victoria.
Designed to look like a c. 1912 addition, this project featured stained glass windows; built-in furniture; abalone inlay in newel post and bedhead; with concealed modern conveniences (T.V., video, microwave, fridge).
This project was featured in April 1996 issue of Select Homes magazine.
For: Pamela Madoff, owner
1993 • Beban House: Feasibility and Conservation Planning Program Report
Stuart Stark and Robert Patterson researched and prepared a complete interior/exterior survey with recommendations for a complete restoration of the exterior and interior features of this late 1930’s lumber baron’s home in Nanaimo, B.C. Plans included conservation of all interior historic architectural features while retrofitting all building code requirements for new public assembly use.
For: The City of Nanaimo
1993 • Arts and Crafts House Tour and Lecture Series
Planned, organized and presented a house tour of six homes, bungalow to mansion, all built c. 1912 in the Arts and Crafts style.
Both the Tour and Companion Lecture Series attracted sell-out audiences (750 people and 210 people, respectively).
The proceeds from these events went to the Oak Bay Heritage Foundations for their preservation program
For: Oak Bay Heritage Foundation and Charles Rupert: The Shop
1993 • Fort Steele: Building Assessment Report for Seventeen Buildings
Stuart Stark prepared this report comprehensively surveying 17 original artifact buildings at Fort Steele Heritage Town. The survey included reports on current condition, causes of deterioration, and environmental factors affecting historic structures.
Recommendations included procedures for stabilization and restoration of the buildings, establishing a documentation program, regular inspections and the establishment of a comprehensive Building Conservation Program and maintenance procedures
With Andrew Rushforth, Structural Engineer
For: Heritage Properties Branch, Government of British Columbia
1992 • Carriage House/Stable/Service Buildings at Government House
Researched and undertook a comprehensive exterior paint and colour analysis for the original 1872-1880 Victorian Outbuildings of Government House in Victoria, B.C. , which include Stable and Carriage House, Laundry, gardeners cottage, root cellar etc.
Supervised colour placement during repainting.Also monitored work in progress during installation by others of new foundations.
For: Crown Properties – Government of British Columbia
1992 • Heritage Needs Assessment Report for the Native Sons Hall, Courtenay, B.C.
Stuart Stark and Robert Patterson researched and prepared a report to determine, plan and make recommendations for the upgrading of the Native Sons Hall (the largest log structure of its kind in Canada) which currently houses the Comox Valley District Museum, with recommendations for rewiring, fire safety, and structural requirements, prior to a planned addition
For: The Comox Valley District Museum, The Native Sons, and the architect for the addition
1992 • CPR Marine Terminal Building Exterior Colour Analysis
Exterior colour investigation and analysis for this 1924 building on Victoria’s Inner Harbour designed by architects F.M. Rattenbury and P.L. James. (Note: Project was not implemented in original colours)
For: BC Buildings Corporation
1992 • Lampson Street School
Exterior Colour Analysis and paint scheme for restoration of this landmark early brick school in Esquimalt, B.C..
For: Bob Baxter, Architect
1991 • Tod House Site Investigation Report.(an 1850-51 dwelling),
For the oldest house in Western Canada, built in 1850-51, to determine construction techniques, dates of alterations, decoration schemes, and general condition of the building, which was built in at least three stages, and had gone through many renovations through its life.
For: Heritage Properties Branch, Government of B.C.
1991 • Design Guidelines for the Village of Cumberland
To plan and draw up recommendations for the restoration and renovation of commercial building facades in the business district of the village of Cumberland B.C., with a view to respecting the historic nature of the village and the individual buildings
The project was to provide guidelines and information for building owners and managers to follow when planning work on their buildings, and held interviews and public meetings to explain the report
For: The Heritage Advisory Committee, Village of Cumberland
1987 • Restoration Plans for S.S. Tutshi, sternwheeler
As one of a team, prepared plans for interior restoration of staterooms and other spaces, including paints, fittings, wood finishes, light fixtures, floor coverings and hardware details. Work included restoration of staterooms and other interior spaces, including paint finishes, fittings, wood finishes, floor coverings, and hardware details.
Planned visitor access and interpretive routes through the ship.
For: J. Keay, Architect and Yukon Heritage Branch
1986 • St. Ann’s Academy: A Concept Plan for Restoration and Reuse
As one of a team of four, prepared a comprehensive analysis of this major 76,000 sq. ft. building dating from 1858, 1871, 1886, and 1910.
Prepared information for cost analysis for restoration planning Conferred with Regional Fire Commissioner, mechanical consultants (including fire sprinklers and heating) landscape consultants and staff at Provincial Capital Commission.
Stuart Stark was primarily responsibilities for historic research and analysis, and restoration plans for important historic spaces including St. Ann’s Chapel (1858) the original wooden Catholic cathedral, now the oldest religious building in B.C
For: Provincial Capital Commission and John Keay architect
1985 • Restoration of Barkerville Hotel
Prepared (with Nick Bawlf, Architect) plans for restoration, interior site investigation on building to determine use of rooms, furniture, layouts, former partitions, alterations; original paint and wallpaper finishes and hardware and exhibit and furnishings plan
For: Barkerville Historic Town
1983 • Investigation into the Original Decoration of Three Principal Rooms at Emily Carr House
Researched and determined original 1863 decorative features of three principal rooms of this Provincial Historic Site. Devised methods of revealing wallpaper patterns from bare washed plaster using ultra-violet light techniques. Recorded paint colours and graining by mechanical and chemical paint removal processes. Documented research and investigative findings in written report
(This study guided the restoration of Carr House for nearly 20 years)
For: British Columbia Heritage Conservation Branch
Positions Held
2017 – 2018 • Chair, City of Victoria Heritage Advisory Panel
2015 – 2018 • Member: City of Victoria Heritage Advisory Panel
2008 – 2010 • Spokesperson, Cridge Park Rescue Group
2005 – 2010 • Chairman, Ross Bay Villa Restoration Committee
1999 – 2010 • Heritage Consultant (Volunteer), Ross Bay Villa
1999 – 2008 • Board Member/Vice president – The Land Conservancy of B. C.
1997 – 1998 • Member: City of Victoria Heritage Advisory Committee
1991 – 1992 • President: The Hallmark Society
1987 – 1991 • Member: Municipality of Oak Bay Heritage Advisory Committee
1986 – 1989 • Chairman: Regional Heritage Committee of Greater Victoria
1985 • Member, Advisory Board: Victoria Heritage Festival
1985 -1987 • Member: Key Task Force, for Canadian Heritage Magazine, Heritage Canada Foundation
1980-1981 • Member: City of Victoria Heritage Advisory Committee
1975 – 1986 • Hallmark Society Executive including: three terms as President, one as Vice President, and three terms as Executive Member-at-Large
1977 – 81 • Trustee: Heritage Building Foundation of the Hallmark Society