One of the many unique attributes of San Francisco is its large collection of historic homes which range in style from Victorian to Edwardian to Art deco to Mediterranean. Years ago, there were numerous businesses that provided the beautiful architectural ornaments that adorn these historic homes. Lorna Kollmeyer Ornamental Plaster, located in Hunter’s Point Shipyard, is the last remaining repository Victorian ornaments of its kind in San Francisco.

This unique business was started by Lorna Kollmeyer in the early 1980’s. Following stints as a professional basketball player in Europe, a high school basketball coach, odd jobs as a carpenter and “girl Friday” for a local couple in the building trades, Lorna bought the ornamental plaster business from that couple. She won her first contract to work on the Majestic Hotel and things have progressed since then. This unique business and its beautiful architectural ornaments have been featured on This Old House Magazine and HGTV’s Modern Masters and Curb Appeal programs.

I first visited Lorna’s studio during the Hunter’s Point Annual Open Arts Fair a few years ago. Stepping inside, one immediately became aware of the hundreds of white architectural ornaments and associated plaster dust covering most of the studio. I thought this would make for a great photo project due to the wonderful people working at the studio and the contrast between them and the environment they work in.