Licking County Court House

Newark, Ohio

Originally constructed in 1876, the Licking County Courthouse was designed in the Second Empire style, also known as the Napoleon III style, which originated in France. Characterized by ornate decoration inspired by Renaissance and Baroque traditions, this architectural style creates a richly opulent interior. Featuring murals, stained glass, and sculpted ornamentation, the courthouse offers an immersive decorative environment that reflects both its historical significance and visual culture.

The historic preservation of the Licking County Courthouse exemplifies the Studio’s comprehensive expertise in restoration and conservation. Work began in 2015 with the completion of an Investigation, Analysis, and Documentation (IAD) report focused on the West Courtroom’s murals and decorative finishes. Through core sampling and the creation of exposure windows, conservators determined that the original palette was warmer than the existing finishes. Cleaning tests further revealed original paint colors by removing accumulated dirt and grime, darkened varnish layers, and later touch-ups.

During conservation efforts, previously unidentified murals on the courtroom ceiling were stabilized, conserved, and attributed to Adèle Bassi, a female artist who worked extensively in both America and Italy. This attribution resulted from the discovery of the artist’s signature, “A. Bassi,” uncovered during cleaning treatments. Drawing on Greek mythology, the allegorical mural series depicts themes of the arts, commerce, victory, and industry. Painted sometime after 1895, likely between 1900 and 1905, these murals were created more than two decades after construction of the courthouse began. A painted depiction of the first radio, invented by Guglielmo Marconi in 1895, further confirmed that the murals were later additions. These significant findings, made possible through careful cleaning and paint stabilization, underscore the value of close visual analysis in conservation work.

In addition to conservation efforts, new artwork and enhanced furnishings were introduced to complete the interior decorative scheme. The integration of scagliola and refinished light fixtures adds texture and depth throughout the space. Bas-relief plaques flanking the doorway to the judge’s chambers depict Samuel Hunter and William Stanbery, figures instrumental in shaping Licking County’s early 19th-century history. Two new murals, designed and executed by Conrad Schmitt Studios, commemorate the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Magna Carta, documents that embody the foundational liberties of the modern judicial system. Transom windows created by Conrad Schmitt Studios feature Lady Justice and the balanced scales, further showcasing the Studio’s artistic craftsmanship. Completed over a ten-year, multi-phase restoration, the project has returned the courthouse interior to a renewed state of grandeur while remaining faithful to its 19th-century design. The restored spaces now convey the majesty and enduring authority of the law through awe-inspiring visual artistry.