Booth Room Restoration
The Directors of The Players Foundation for Theatre Education are delighted to report that with the generous support from members of The Players, The Booth Guild Patrons, grants, and other organizations, we’ve been able to complete The Booth Room Restoration Project. After two work-filled summers, with the hard work of artisans and historic restoration experts, our history has come to life. Members and guests can now experience the room as if seeing it through Edwin Booth’s eyes—a vivid reminder of our shared theatrical heritage.
Read below to understand the specifics of the project and to read about the Foundation's efforts to maintain and protect these treasured items in line with historical authenticity.
Summer 2023: Phase I
Windows
We contracted with Femenella & Associates to remove the original 1845 window sashes from all windows on the north wall of the house. Since they were part of our landmarked façade, special care was taken to keep as much original material as possible. Some mullions were beyond repair and had to be replaced, others were repaired and reinstalled along with the original glass panes. Once the windows were reinstalled, we installed an extra pane of UV glass over each individual window to add insulation and to protect the room from daylight. We now see what Mr. Booth saw when he looked out at Gramercy Park.
Shutters
The interior shutters which had been hidden by shades and plastic sheeting for years, were removed and taken off-site to be stripped and re-painted. After investigation, Evergreene Architectural Arts, our interior surface experts, were able to identify the 1888 paint color that was part of Architect Stanford White’s design for the room. A three-step painting process was developed to re-create the original look. All original hardware was retained, cleaned, and re-installed. When you look, be sure to note the “teapot” window locks.
Woodwork
The trim around the windows, the baseboards in the bedroom, and the bedroom side of the archway separating the bedroom from the sitting room were meticulously stripped with a non-toxic paste and then re-painted with the 3-step process described above.
Wallcovering
Using old photographs and a small sample of the original bedroom wallpaper (found under an electrical plate) we were able to re-create and install the wall covering in the bedroom area. On the north wall of the sitting room, we attempted to clean the wall covering, only to learn that the wood pulp wallpaper and water-soluble ink would not allow us to do too much. Loose sections were re-glued to the wall and meticulous in-painting covered some bare spots. Through careful observation, we also discovered a hand painted/stenciled design below the chair rail. We have left a section of the original painting (behind the desk) and re-created the design in a few sections that you can clearly view on the north wall.
Bedroom Ceiling
Again, with old photographs and by peeling back layers of paint on the bedroom ceiling, we were able to re-create the original look – and it’s quite spectacular.
Furniture and Lighting
As we disassembled the room, we discovered that three chairs were in desperate need of restoration. We engaged Eli Rios, our furniture expert, who has worked in the clubhouse before, to complete this work. Additionally, the sconces on the north wall above the desk were removed, re-wired, polished, and re-installed. Lighting was also added to the bedroom area to highlight the room’s features.
Photographs and Artwork
A significant number of photographs were sent to Lewis and Flores Framing to be professionally cleaned and restored. Where possible, original frames were saved, repaired, and cleaned. All pieces received new, acid-free matting as needed and museum glass for added UV protection. We sincerely thank Michael Gerbino & Elizabeth Jackson for returning each piece to its exact location.
We’re thrilled to have met our goal of having the room re-opened for members as the clubhouse on September 5, and we’ll soon be working with our architect, Tom Fenniman, to fine tune the list of projects for Phase 2.
Summer 2024: Phase II
Oriental Rug
The sitting room rug, a Mahal Persian design, dates back to 1884–1894, aligning with the founding of The Players. Estimated to be 130–140 years old, this wool rug underwent extensive cleaning and restoration by Merkerian Rug Cleaners at a cost of nearly $6,000. Restoration included stain removal, rebinding, and reinforcement of torn sections. A portion of the rug’s border was partially removed, and the carpet was trimmed for durability. Foot traffic is minimized, with shoe covers provided when needed.
Dressing Table
This 1820s English Regency dressing table, made from cherry and mahogany with oak interiors, was found hammered shut. Restoration revealed a broken mirror inside, and a new mirror with a supportive leather strap was installed. The exterior brass hardware was polished and reinstalled, maintaining historical authenticity.
Booth Daybed
Originally appearing black, the 18th-century Chippendale-style daybed is crafted from walnut with intact original metal chains and pins. The frame was cleaned, reinforced, and reupholstered in a velvet that mirrors the original damask color. Edwina’s shawl, once used to cover the damaged cushion, is now displayed near the daybed. Restoration of the two pillows is pending.
Sitting Room Chandelier
The chandelier, originally dual-powered by gas and electric, has been rewired, with a missing arm reattached. The gas functionality was converted to electric flicker lights.
Sitting Room Wallpaper
The sitting room wallpaper, original wood pulp with a water-based pattern, was preserved and reattached. Missing sections were filled with paper salvaged from behind the mirror and carefully overpainted.
Wall Cabinet
The cabinet to the fireplace’s left was previously assumed decorative due to its locked state. Architect Thomas Fenniman used an electric saw to open it, revealing Edwin Booth’s death mask inside, a historical artifact hidden since 1893.
Painting Restoration
Conservation was performed by Pratzon Art Restoration, with frames preserved by Eli Rios of ECR Antique Conservation. Restoration efforts focused on three significant portraits:
Mary Devlin by Carle J. Blenner, a piece depicting Edwin Booth’s first wife, copied from an original by Eastman Johnson.
Junius Brutus Booth by Andrew John Henry Way, showcasing Booth’s father, renowned for his Shakespearean roles in America.
Edwin Forrest, potentially attributable to Charles Loring Elliot, depicting another influential figure from Booth’s era.
Leather Club Chair
Initially, it was thought that minor refurbishing would suffice for Mr. Booth’s chair by the Gramercy Park window. However, a closer inspection revealed prior restoration attempts with imitation materials. Removal of the padding exposed original patterned fabric on the arms. The chair has since been restored to its original style, reupholstered in black leather on the mahogany frame.
Mantel Mirror
To protect the gilded mirror during ceiling and wainscotting restoration, it was removed and found in fragile condition. After regilding and frame strengthening, the mirror’s back revealed markings from the 1815 shipping container, indicating its journey from England to New York.
Banister Chairs
Two 18th-century banister chairs beside the fireplace and a larger chair in the bedroom were strengthened, re-caned, and repolished. The Mary Devlin chair, located on the bedroom’s south side, was rethatched.
and more...
Phase II Before & After Shots
