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The Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. was founded in 1889. It is one of the oldest interior
decorating, stained glass, and restoration firms in the country. At the turn of the century, there were three such
studios, Connick, Tiffany and Conrad Schmitt. Connick dealt almost exclusively in stained glass while Tiffany and
the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc., designed, decorated, redecorated, and restored some of this country's most magnificent
structures, including their stained glass. It is not unusual to uncover turn-of-the-century decorative and windows
executed by the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. in some of the most prestigious buildings from coast to coast, including
the State of Hawaii.
At the turn of the century, the Studios was executing chruches, theatres, banks, large estates, and even state
capitols. In 1909, the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc., was part of a team that decorated the west wing of the
Wisconsin State Capitol.
In 1936, Bernard O. Gruenke, a graduate of the Layton School of Art and a student of the Concoran Art School in
Washington, D.C., began working for the Studio, and in 1948 purchased the Studio from the Schmitt Estate.
The Studio is steeped in tradition and history, yet each craftsman is creative and knowledgeable in the latest
techniques as they pertain to execution and application.
The product of the Studio, however, is not only the application of leads, solders, pigments, glazes, and gold or
silver leaf, but is conserving, restoring, replicating, or creating an environment for the designer, architect, client,
and public alike.
For over a century the Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. has been promoting quality while respecting fine art, working hand
in hand with owners, interior design firms, consultants, and architects, conserving and creating some of the most
ornate and stately interiors evidenced by man. The conservation and preservation of the fine arts acts as a
reflection of our culture for future generations.
The Studio is a member of the following organizations:
Association for Preservation Technology
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
The Society of Architectural Historians
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Stained Glass Association of America
Theatre Historical Society
League of Historic American Theatres
Partners for Sacred Places
Inspired Partnerships
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ABOVE: The Saint Josaphat Basilica Foundation was established in 1990 to restore, preserve, and
maintain the Basilica of Saint Josaphat. This non-profit foundation is a broad-based coalition of business and
civic leaders in the greater Milwaukee community. In 1992, the Foundation selected the Conrad Schmitt Studios as
the interior restoration contractor. The studio has a long and rich history with the Basilica. In addition to
the original 1926 decoration, the Studio provided restoration services in 1942, 1948, 1952, and 1963.
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ABOVE: Built in 1929, the beautiful Paramount Theatre in Andersen, Indiana, is one of only a few
atmospheric theatres remaining in the United States. Determined to save the Paramount from the wrecking ball, the
Paramount Heritage Foundation was organized and awarded the Conrad Schmitt Studios the important task of restoring this
theatre. The Foundation selected the Studio based on a number of criteria, including the evaluation of the Studio's
past projects and the approval of a decorative sample illustrating the intended appearance and ambience of the theatre.
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ABOVE: The lobby of the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was designed by Mark F. Pfaller II, AIA
and decorated by the Conrad Schmitt Studios in a Victorian style to blend with the existing theater. The adjoining
corridor graduates from the simple, contemporary lines of the Milwaukee Center to the highly ornate Victorian style of
the existing theater. The columns change in style, size and color while the ceilings increase in height as the lobby
becomes more ornate.
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