Word from the Editor
Editor’s Welcome
Welcome to the tenth edition of Lath and Plaster! We’re thrilled to mark this milestone with a collection of insightful and inspiring contributions from our talented editorial team. In this edition, Rachel teams up with a colleague to explore how to achieve a stunning concrete panel effect, while Mick takes us on a journey through the evolution of plaster mixing equipment—a must-read for anyone interested in the tools that shape our craft.
Mary shares her experience attending a careers advice event, highlighting the next generation’s curiosity and enthusiasm for the trades. Keith gives us a behind-the-scenes look at an external restoration project he completed on a historic street in Putney, showcasing the blend of tradition and technical skill required for such work. Meanwhile, Ryan undertakes the delicate and impressive task of restoring a 150-year-old cornice, breathing new life into heritage architecture.
As always, there’s much more inside—tips, reflections, and features that celebrate the rich world of plastering and decorative finishes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious newcomer, we hope this edition informs, inspires, and connects you to the wider community of craftspeople who share your passion. Don’t forget to subscribe its free of charge and guarantees you never miss an edition
Editor David Winchester
Meet the Team
Lath and Plaster is run by a friendly team of skilled plasterers. Each person on the team has experience in different aspects of the plastering trade. They work hard and know a lot about both old and new plastering methods. The team is happy to share their knowledge and teach others
Ryan Swart Fibrous workshop
This 150 years old cornice has been damaged due to previous owners converting residential home into offices as putting up suspended ceiling to lower the height of ceiling and new owners are reversing back to original by taking down suspended ceiling
Mick’ Hargreaves The evolution of plaster mixing equipment
The evolution of plaster mixing equipment reflects broader changes in construction technology, labour practices, and materials science. Here’s a summary of how plaster mixing equipment has developed over time:
Mary-Havana Little Fibrous Plasterwork
Inspiring Speakers: 282 East Ham Air Cadets’ Evening
Keith external project we worked on in a Historic street in Putney
This was an exciting external project we worked on in a historic street in Putney. The street is known for its beautiful houses and special wall panels that show “The Pied Piper.” Every two houses have the same matching plaques, which help give the street its unique charm and character.
Introducing Master Plasterer Mr Colin Morris
Colin, a master plasterer, was commissioned to carry out restoration work on a circular column at the Winter Gardens Theatre in Blackpool.
Rachel Tanith Venetian Plasterwork
What is the Concrete Panel Effect? The concrete panel effect takes inspiration from the flat, grey walls you’d see in city buildings, factories, or parking garages
James Collier Pargetting
In early July, I finally took my first proper holiday in five and a half years—a long-awaited motorcycle tour through Europe with a good mate. We rode all the way down to Romania, clocking up thousands of miles, with plenty of scenic detours and unforgettable moments.
As Meat Loaf Once Said: “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad”
On my way to work, I asked my wife to drop me off outside the local ASDA—right across the road from the college where I taught—so I could grab some cash. Nothing unusual. But as I walked across the car park, I didn’t realize the surface was covered in black ice. One wrong step, and I was down.
Master Plasterers and Freemen
The Master Plasterer Certificate honours individuals who have attained the highest level of skill in the plastering industry, demonstrating exceptional expertise, craftsmanship, and mastery developed over many years of dedicated practice.
Plastering Books and E-Books
This series of plastering books is specially designed for plastering students, offering a comprehensive learning path from beginner to advanced levels. Available in both paperback and digital formats, the collection starts with Basic Plastering Skills, moves on to Plasterwork Decorative Mouldings, and culminates with Columns, Cornices, and Curves for more advanced learners. Paperback copies are printed on demand by the publisher, while e-books can be downloaded instantly.
Basic Plastering Skills
Designed as a book that is easy to understand it is perfectly pitched to meet the requirements of the level 1 and level 2 plastering students, and also students on short plastering courses, plus DIY enthusiasts
Decorative Mouldings
This book contains one hundred pages of either photos, or illustrations in full colour combining together to make an easy to follow step by step guide to the art of decorative plaster moulding
Columns Cornices & Curves
Used by college students for the past three years as an easy to understand pictorial guide to the level 3 plastering diploma. The book contains 30 chapters which include a glossary of terms for Plasterer
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Over the Pond with Olde World Walls & Ceilings
Driven by a passion to return to his plastering roots, Randy Clark founded Olde World Walls & Ceilings. He assembled a team of the most skilled, knowledgeable, and respected plasterers he knew, taking on some of the most challenging and distinctive projects available. Every project is approached as a unique opportunity to showcase craftsmanship and excellence
Learn Plastering: Skills for Beginners
Learn how to Fix Sheet Materials
Contact us
We’re always on the lookout for inspiring stories and the remarkable work of skilled craftspeople . If you have a unique journey, project, or craft you’d like to share, we want to hear from you. Tell us your story—you could be our next featured creator. Let’s celebrate creativity, one craft at a time.
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