This page was created by Vedanth Natarajan.
04 Spanish Ceiling [WAM 1952.18] - How was this made?
The Spanish Ceiling was constructed using a variety of materials, woodworking techniques, and a high level of craftsmanship. The WAM Spanish Ceiling consists of four transverse wood beams and twenty-three cross-beams in each of the five sections. All of the exposed surfaces of the ceiling are decorated with floral and geometric ornament with vibrant contrasting colors. Aside from being the main component of the ceiling itself, wood was used for the scaffolding, lifting cranes, and other support structures necessary to construct the Spanish Ceiling. Based on thorough analysis and research into a Spanish Ceiling similar to the one in the WAM, it is most likely that each main wood panel was created independently on the ground, then raised into place and secured, followed by the cross-beams and transverse beams. Based on an analysis completed on the WAM Spanish Ceiling itself, the ceiling was assembled using a combination of heavy wrought iron nails and various wood adhesives. The cross beams were installed parallel and equidistant from each other. The thin heraldic panels which can be seen running alongside and slightly above the cross-beams were likely dry-fitted into the slots pre-cut for them. The majority of the painting and ornamental decoration was completed after the construction of the ceiling, then layered with varnish and protective coatings commonly used in the time period.