Sunday Story: Egyptian Revival

The Egyptian Building, a prominent fixture within the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, recently underwent a significant interior restoration. Originally constructed in 1845 to house the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, this five-story structure is recognized for its unique Egyptian Revival architectural style, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. The building's design was conceived by Irish-born Philadelphia architect Thomas Somerville Stewart, who drew inspiration from the popular Egyptian Revival trend of the era, influenced by Napoleon's late-18th-century explorations. The building’s initial purpose included an auditorium, dissection laboratories, and an infirmary. A distinctive cast-iron fence, featuring mummy case forms as supports, was later added by F.W. Barnes, further emphasizing the Egyptian theme and its connection to medical history, referencing Imhotep, often cited as the first physician and architect in Western history. Subsequent renovations throughout its history led to its current configuration of classrooms, offices, and a lecture hall. A major interior remodeling occurred in 1939 by Richmond’s Baskervill & Son, partially funded by Depression-era federal works programs. This renovation maintained and enhanced the Egyptian motifs, particularly in the entrance hall, which received a coffered ceiling adorned with themed tiles and painted hieroglyphics. This comprehensive redesign solidified the building’s popular designation as the “Egyptian Building.” Over 80 years after the 1939 overhaul, these intricate details began to show considerable wear. The recent restoration project focused primarily on the intricate coffered and tiled ceiling. VCU and Glavé & Holmes architects, who had previously worked on the building in 1982, engaged artist partners Charles Ponticello and Marilyn Haskin for this demanding task. Their expertise was crucial for the restoration, particularly given Ponticello’s prior experience with challenging historic tile restoration at the Scott House. The project presented significant challenges due to the irregular sizing of the original coffers and tiles, requiring precise measurements and a meticulous approach. Haskin, with her mathematical skills, was instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and straightness of the lines during installation. Ponticello selected a modern, durable tile material from the Danish company Skamol Group and utilized high-strength mastic for secure adhesion, contrasting with the less robust methods used in 1939. Further crucial contributions came from Rebekah Jamerson of All Things Plaster, who, with her son Nathan, meticulously repaired and replaced ornamental plasterwork. A particular challenge involved the repair of a section where a leak had rotted coffer molding, requiring custom replacements for each uniquely sized coffer. The restoration team also had to coordinate their work around ongoing classes and lectures, necessitating the use of protective plastic cocoons. The restoration involved creating 1,215 color-matched tiles, with Ponticello and Haskin successfully replicating the appearance of the original 1939 tiles to the point where the new and old are indistinguishable. The project, which commenced its design phase in June 2022 and construction in May of the following year, was completed in January 2024, marking a significant achievement in preserving a historic Richmond landmark. #EgyptianBuilding #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #RichmondHistory #VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity #GlavéHolmesArchitects #CharlesPonticello #MarilynHaskin #RebekahJamerson #EgyptianBuilding #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #RichmondHistory #VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity #GlavéHolmesArchitects #CharlesPonticello #MarilynHaskin #RebekahJamerson