EIGHTEENTH CENTURY PAINT MATERIALS 
AND THE PAINTERS CRAFT AS PRACTICED IN LOUISBOURG

TRAINING MANUAL

BY

A. Storm

May 1982

(Fortress of Louisbourg
Report H G 05)

Notes to Chapter I

1. Miller, The Mineral Pigments of Pennsylvania, 12; Whittock, The Decorative Painters' & Glaziers' Guide, 11.

2. Smith, The Art of Painting in Oil, 31 ff. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734) see washing of Colours.

3. Higgins, The House Painter, 72; P.F. Tingry, The Painter and Varnisher's Guide, (London: printed for G. Keareley, 1804), 286

4. Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, II, see pearl white.

5. T. Zuk Penn, Decorative and Protective Finishes, 1750-1850: Materials, Process, and Craft p. 17, see white lead.

6. T.H. Vanherman, Every Man His Own House-Painter and Colour-man (London: I.F. Setchel, 1829), 81.

7. Ibid., 82

8. Whittock, The Decorative Painters' & Glaziers' Guide, Part I, 8.

9. John Smith, The Art of Painting in Oil (London: printed for J. Ben, 1788), 13 ff.

10. Watson, Chemical Essays, III, 339; The Mechanics Register, I, No. 4 (March, 1837), 59.

11. Dossie, The Handmaid to the Arts, I, 129

12. Cutbush, The American Artists' Manual, II, see verditer; Porter, The Chemistry of the Arts, II, 497.

13. Gregory, A Dictionary of Arts and Science, I, 391; Chaptal, Chemistry Applied to Arts and Manufactures, III, 181.

14. Dossie, The Handmaid to the Arts, I, 92-93.

15. M. Constant de Massoul, A Treatise on the Art of Painting (London: the author, 1797), 136; Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, I, see colour-making; The Mechanics Register, I, No. 4 (March, 1837), 59.

16. P.F. Tingry, The Painter's & Colourman's Complete Guide, (London: Sherwood, Gilbert, and Piper, 1830), 61.

17. Smith, The Art of Painting in Oil, 23 ff.

18. Jeffry R. Stewart, The National Paint Dictionary (Washington, D.C.: Stewart Research Laboratory, 1948), 604; Dossie, The Handmaid to the Arts, I, 43.

19. The Repertory of Arts and Manufactures, XII, No. 70, 1800,281.

20. Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, I, see lake; Ure, A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines, 740; Francis H. Jennison, The Manufacture of Lake Pigments from Artificial Colors (London: Scott, Greenwood & Co., 1900), 1. The Mechanics Register, I, No. 4 (March, 1837), 60.

21. Maximilian Toch, The Chemistry and Technology of Paints (New York: D. Van Nostrand Company, 1925), 140.

22. Bersch, The Manufacture of Mineral and Lake Pigments, 9; A Practical Treatise on Dyeing, 94-95.

23. Bersch, The Manufacture of Mineral and Lake Pigments, 343.

24. Augustus Chambers, Encyclopedia Mancuniensis; or The New School of Arts (London: Richard Evans, 1815), II, 602; Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, I, see lake.

25. Chambers, Encyclopedia Mancuniensis, II, 602; Smith, The Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Manufactures, II, 732.

26. G. Gregory, A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (London: Richard Phillips, 1806), I, 391.

27. Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, II, see oils.

28. The Franklin Journal and American Mechanics' Magazine, I (November, 1826), 326; Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, II, see oils.

29. Barry and Dunster, Varnish Making, 14.

30. Greeley end others, The Great Industries of the United States, 980 ff.

31. Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, II, see rosin; G. Gregory, A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (London: Richard Phillips, 1806), II 565-566.

32. J.F. Blondel, Cours D'Architecture, 1770, Vol. VI, p. 436-440.

33. Tingry, The Painter's & Colourman's Complete Guide, 54.

34. Ibid.

35. Ibid., 43

36. Code for the Naval Forces; Part Two, Ordinance of Louis XIV, for the naval forces and dockyards of the Marine, 15 Apr. 1689. Book 18, Title II, Nos. X & XI.

Notes to Chapter II

1. Max Bottler, German Varnish-Making (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1912), 2 ff; Gregory, A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, II, 845.

2. M. Bottler, German Varnish-Making, 2 ff.

3. Byrne, The Handbook for the Artisan, Mechanic, and Engineer, 311-312.

4. J.A. Roubo, L'Art du Menuisier, Vol. IV, pp. 857-867 and plate 296; Dick, Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts, 272.

5. David Beman, The Mysteries of Trade, or the Great Source of Wealth (Boston: the author, 1825), 115.

6. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentlemen and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734) see Varnish.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. J.A. Roubo, L'Art du Menuisier, Vol. IV, pp. 864 & 865 and plate 296.

10. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734) see Varnish.

11. N. Fletcher Little, American Decorative Wall Painting 1700-1850 (1952) p. 6 (Gray account book).

12. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734) see Varnish.

13. Ibid.

Notes to Chapter III

1. J.A. Roubo, L'Art du Menuisier, Vol. IV, pp. 792-799.

Notes to Chapter IV

1. Little, American Decorative Wall Painting, XV

2. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734) see Painting (in oil).

3. Baird, The Painter, Gilder, and Varnisher's Companion, 7-8; Herbert, The Engineer's and Mechanic's Encyclopacdia, II, 228; William Norman Brown, House Decorating and Painting (London: Scott, Greenwood & Co., 1900), 9.

4. Handbook of Young Artists and Amateurs in Oil (New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1845), 106.

5. John Smith, The Art of Painting in Oil (London: printed for J. Bee, 1788), 2.

6. Davidson, A Practical Manual of House-Painting, 5.

7. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. I, (1734) see To Grind (colours in Oil). Smith, The Art of Painting in Oil, 33ff.

8. Chambers, Encyclopedia Mancuniensis, II, 614; Handbook of Young Artists, 107.

9. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. I, (1734) see To Grind (colours in Oil).

10. Ibid.

11. Ibid, Vol. II, see Washing (in Painting).

12. See Appendix I.

13. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. I, (1734), see Blacks, used in Painting.

Notes to Chapter V

1. Condit, Painting and Painters' Materials, 56; John Elsum, The Art of Painting After the Italian Manner (London: D. Brown, 1704), 35; A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Oil, also see Painting (in Oil); Arch. Marit., Port de Rochefort, Série 1E, Vol. 155, 31756 - Etat des approvissionnements, Isle Royale, Ustenciles pour les troupes, see pour l'artillerie; J.F. Blondel, Cours D'Architecture Civile, (1777), Vol. 6, p. 440.

2. P. Benes, Sky Colors and Scattered Clouds: The Decorative and Architectural Painting of New England Meeting Houses, 1738-1834. p. 53.

3. H. Reynolds, Directions for House and Ship Painting, (1812), p. 13 & 14.

4. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), See Painting (in oil).

5. H. Reynolds, Directions for House and Ship Painting, (1812), p. 14

6. M.G. Debonnet, Origin of Paint Pigments, Varnishes, Vehicles, The Painters Magazine, Oct. 1920, p. 54. See Volpato MS (1670).

7. E. Chambers, Cyclopæ dia: or, an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. (London: W. Innys, J.and P. Knapton, and others, 1752), II, see painting; Valuable secrets in Arts, Trades, &c., (New York: Evert Duyckinck, 1816), 82; A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Painting (in Oil); J.F. Blondel, Cours D'Architecture Civile, (1777), Vol. 6, p. 440.

8. H. Reynolds, Directions for House and Ship Painting, (1812), p. 15-20.

9. See translated document in Fortress of Louisbourg paint file; Published Documentation.

10. Thomlinson (ed.), Cyclopaedia of Useful Arts, II, 355; Sabin, The Industrial and Artistic Technology of Paint and Varnish, 311-312.

11. J.F. Blondel, Cours D 'Architecture Civile, (1777), Vol. 6, p. 440.

12. N. Fletcher Little, American Decorative Wall Painting, 1700-1850, p. 6 (Gray account book).

13. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Oil.

14. Ibid.

15. Ibid.

16. N. Fletcher Little, American Decorative Wall Painting, 17001850, (1952), p. 6 (originally from: Valuable Secrets Concerning Arts and Trades, pp. 68-69).

17. Ibid, p. 7

18. Ian Bristow, Ready-Mixed Paint in the Eighteenth Century, article in The Architectural Review, April 1977, Vol. CLXI, No. 962. p. 247. (Joseph Emerton "Directions").

19. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Painting.

20. Nicholson, The Mechanic's Companion, 255; Thomlinson (e.d.) Cyclopæ die of Useful Arts, II, 355-356; Higgins, The House Painter, 150.

21. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Painting (in oil); Thomlinson (ed.), Cyclopæ die of Useful Arts, II, 527; Sabin, The Industrial and Artistic Technology of Paint and Varnish, 303-304; Davidson, A Practical Manual of House Painting, 12-13.

22. Nicholson, The Mechanic's Companion, 257; Dick, Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts, 253.

23. Dick, Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts, 253.

24. Davidson, A Practical Manual of House-Painting, 12 ff.

25. T.H. Vanherman, Every Man His Own House-Painter and Colourman (London: I.F. Setchel, 1829), 36-37; Higgins, The House Painter, 152.

26. Higgins, The House Painter, 152.

27. H. Reynolds, Directions for House and Ship Painting, (1812), p. 7.

28. Ibid. p. 7

29. J.F. Blondel, Cours D'Architecture Civile, (1777), Vol. 6, p. 440-441.

30. H. Reynolds, Directions for House and Ship Painting, (1812), pp. 9-12.

31. R.M. Candee, Housepaints in Colonial America, part II, "The Application of 18th Century Paints", CE/33 (originally; Leyburn, op. cit., p. 71).

32. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Painting (in oil).

33. R.M. Candee, Housepaints in Colonial America, part II, "The Application of 18th Century Paints", Color Engineering 24, Nov.-Dec. 1966; Dobson, T. Encyclopedia or Dictionary of Arts & Science, Philadelphia. 1st American edition, 1798.

34. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Painting (in oil).

35. Briseux, Architecture Moderne, 1728, Vol. I, p. 94-6.

36. Ibid.

37. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Black used in painting.

38. Braverter Grey Account Book, mss. owned by Nina Fletcher Little.

39. Smith's Art of House-Painting (1723), pp. 26-27.

40. R.M. Candee, Housepaints in Colonial America, their materials, manufacture and application, part II, The Application of 18th Century Paints, Color Engineering 154.

41. Leyburn, William, The Mirror of Architecture, London, Mount, Richard, fourth edition, 1700, p. 71; Clivenden, Philadelphia, Penna., Chew Papers, INHP Microfilm, roll #34, No. 19, 1766; Baker Library, Harvard Business School, Daniel Pea accounts, mss. 715, 1764-1802, R. 281, Vol. I, Daybook 1771-98 cf., April 9, Sept. 23, 24, 1772, etc.

42. R.M. Candee, Housepaints in Colonial America, their materials, manufacture and application, part II, The Application of 18th Century Paints, Color Engineering 154. See Tar and Oil; Arch. Nat., 20 Oct. 1733, C11B, v. 14, ff. 165-7 v., Le Normant - 165v.

43. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Timber.

44. R.M. Candee, Housepaints in Colonial America, their materials, manufacture and application, part II, The Application of 18th Century Paints, Color Engineering 154. See Tar and oil.

45. Dobson, Thomas, Encyclopedia or Dictionary of Arts & Science, Philadelphia, 1st. American Edition, 1798 (n.p.), from files of Penelope Hartshorne, Nat. Park Service, Philadelphia. (R.M. Candee).

46. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion , Vol. II, (1734), see Painting (how to scour...).

Notes to Chapter VI

1. Nine Fletcher Little, American Decorative Wall Painting, 1700-1850, (New York, 1952), p. 81.

2. Ibid.

3. J.F. Blondel, Cours D 'Architecture, 1770, Vol. VI, p. 436-440.

4. Sutermeister, Casein and its Industrial Applications, 105; Max Doerner, The Materials of the Artist (New York: Harcourt, Brace and Comp., 1934), 218.

5. Dick, Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts, 255; James Pilkington, The Artists and Mechanic's Repository, (Philadelphia: Michael Kelly, 1840), 337.

6. A.A. Cadet de Vaux, The Dyer's Companion, published in New York by Elijah Bemis, 1815.

7. The New England Farmer, VII, 8, Thomas G. Fessenden, ed. Sept. 12, 1828 (Boston Athenaeum).

8. Cutbush, The American Artist's Manual, I, see colour-making.

9. Beam, The Chemistry of Paints, 18.

10. Nina Fletcher Little, American Decorative Wall Painting, 17001850, (New York, 1952), p. 80.

11. Susan Hum-Hartley, Whitewash and Substitutes, Restoration Services Division, March, 1980.

12. Arch. Nat., May 10, 1737, Muiron, Marchand, D'aoust, Sabatier, A.C. C11B, Vol. 19, ff. 176-188v. - Art. 10e. Blanchissage en laitance de Chaux.

13. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), see Painting.

14. Ibid.

Notes to Chapter VII

1. A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch, The Builders Dictionary: or Gentleman and Architects Companion, Vol. II, (1734), See Gilding and Size.

2. Ibid.

Notes to Appendix I

Adams, Blaine - Painting With Oil, May 30th, 1969. Memoranda 1958-1970. Item #22

Archives Charentes Maritimes, B272, fol. 147v-148. 4-6-1743. The Arrival of the "Le Jean" from Boston

Archives Maritimes, Port de Rochefort, Série 1 E, Vol. 155. 31756 Etat des approvissionnements, Isle Royale. Ustenciles pour les troupes.

Archives Nationales/ACMB 272, fol. 218v-219. From Acadia, the "Haute poll", 28-8-1743.

Archives Nationales/AM C7 184, dossier Le Vasseur, f. 38. "Pour compte avec Made. Desmaret et a la Succession" en 1731.

Archives Nationales/Archives des Colonies - Série F1A, microfilm Vol. 35, fol. 3, 1744 (22 Fev.); fol. 11; fol. 17, 1744, 19 Juin; fol. 18; Vol. 31, fol. 33, 1733 (12 July); Vol. 35, fol. 3, 1744 (22 Fev.).

Archives Nationales/May 10, 1737, Muiron, Marchand, D'aoust, Sabatier, A.C. C11B, Vol. 19, ff. 176-188v. Art. lOe

Archives Nationales/1744, 6 November, C11B, Vol. 26, fol. 173-181v. Statement of payments. (Work in Salle d'Armes).

Archives Nationales/C11B, Vol. 15, f. 199, 1754; Pour la Salle d'Arme.

Archives Nationales/1757, 30 Sept., C11B, Vol. 37, fol. 117 State of supplies necessary.

Hoad, Linda - Interior Finish/Report, 7 pages 1971-72.

Moore, Christopher - Parks Canada, Manuscript report No. 317. Commodity Imports of Louisbourg, Fortress of Louisbourg, 1975, pp. 68-69, Chemicals, paints, preservatives.

Pouyez, Christian - Paints, preliminary report Fortress of Louisbourg, Jan. 1972 (H-G2 Eng.)

Storm, A. - Consolidation of Bibliographies on 18th century paint, ink, and stain. 1982.

Notes to Appendix II

Adams, Blaine - Painting With Oil, May 30th, 1969. Memoranda 1958-1970. Item #22

Archives Charentes Maritimes, B272, fol. 147v-148. 4-6-1743. The Arrival of the "Le Jean" from Boston

Archives Maritimes, Port de Rochefort, Série 1 E, Vol. 155. 31756 -Etat des approvissionnements, Isle Royale. Ustenciles pour les troupes.

Archives Nationales/ACMB 272, fol. 218v-219. From Acadia, the "Haute poll", 28-8-1743.

Archives Nationales/AM C7 184, dossier Le Vasseur, f. 38. "Pour compte avec Made. Desmaret et a la Succession" en 1731.

Archives Nationales/Archives des Colonies - Série F1A, microfilm Vol. 35, fol. 3, 1744 (22 Fev.); fol. 11; fol. 17, 1744, 19 Juin; fol. 18; Vol. 31, fol. 33, 1733 (12 July); Vol. 35, fol. 3, 1744 (22 Fev.).

Archives Nationales/May 10, 1737, Muiron, Marchand D'aoust, Sabatier, A.C. C11B, Vol. 19 ff. 176-188v. Art. 1Oe

Archives Nationales/1744, 6 November, C11B, Vol. 26, fol. 173-181v. Statement of payments (Work in Salle d'Armes).

Archives Nationales/C11B, Vol. 15, f. 199, 1754; Pour la Salle d'Arme.

Archives Nationales/1757, 30 Sept., C11B, Vol. 37, fol. 117. State of supplies necessary.

Bettesworth, A. & C. Hitch - The Builder's Dictionary: or, Gentleman and Architect's Companion. (Originally published 1734). Volumes I & II.

Blondel, J.F. - Cours D'Architecture, 1770, Vol. 6

Bristow, Ian - The Architectural Review: April 1977, Vol. CLXI, No. 962. pp 247-248. Ready-Mixed paint in the eighteenth century.

Candee, Richard M. - House paints in Colonial America. Their materials, manufacture and application. (Articles in 1966 & 1967: Color Engineering).

Dow, Charles Francis - The Arts & Crafts in New England 1704-1775. Pp. 237-243.

Gettens, R.J. & G.L. Stout - Painting Materials. A Short Encyclopæ dia. Dover Publications, New York (1943).

Hum-Hartley, Susan - Whitewash and substitutes. Summary of research material gathered for DRM 10-7. Publication 130.2.1.2 Whitewash, Distemper and Calcamine. Restoration Services Division, March, 1980.

Moore, Christopher - Parks Canada, Manuscript report No. 317. Commodity Imports of Louisbourg, Fortress of Louisbourg, 1975, pp. 68-69, Chemicals, paints, preservatives.

Pouyez, Christian - Paints, preliminary report Fortress of Louisbourg, Jan. 1972 (H-G2 Eng.)

Reynolds, H. - Directions for House and Ship painting. New Haven, 1812

Roubo, J.A. - L'Art du Menuisier (1774) Vol. IV.

Storm, A. - Consolidation of Bibliographies on 18th Century paint, ink, and stain. 1982.

Zuk Penn, Theodore - Decorative and Protective Finishes 1750-1850; Materials, Process and Craft. A thesis: June, 1966 University of Demure, U.S.A.