with Mathew Cummings, Architect and James
Whidden, Woodwright
Mathew Cummings and James Whidden have restored some of the most historically significant 17th- and 18th-century houses still standing on the North Shore. Hear what these experts can teach you about the restoration process, and how they work closely with each client to "do it right."
Mat and Jim will take you on a virtual tour of the ca. 1747 Day-Dodge House in Ipswich, which they recently restored, including:
• an initial walk-through to assess the scope of work and what could be saved
• documenting its architectural history
• the space use options they discussed with their clients
• drawings
• repair details, including the choice of materials and tools
• the construction process itself
A question-and-answer period will follow
-- on houses of any age!
Mathew Cummings, has practiced architecture for 23 years. He is the lead architect for Cummings Architects, LLC in Ipswich, Mass. His many historic restoration/renovation projects include the Day-Dodge House (Ipswich, ca. 1747), White Horse Inn (Ipswich, ca. 1658), and Knowlton House (Ipswich, ca. 1725). He is a trustee of the Ipswich Historical Society, and a volunteer for the Boston Society of Architects.
James Whidden is a master joiner, including timber framing. For over 20 years he has practiced the art of recreating early American woodwork, hoping to preserve a vanishing skill. His woodworking shop is in Ashburnham, Mass., but his projects are primarily on the North Shore including the Day-Dodge House (Ipswich, ca. 1747) and the Captain Sutton House (Ipswich, ca. 1685). Jim serves on the Ashburnham Historic Commission.