Photo curtesy of Christopher Kelly and John Blair.
Word from the Editor
Welcome to the Eleventh Edition of Lath and Plaster
We’re delighted to share some exciting news!
Since our launch on 1st January 2025, Lath and Plaster has already reached over 20,000 readers.
A warm welcome to all our readers, especially those joining us for the first time. It’s fantastic to see our community of plastering enthusiasts growing not just in the UK, but also across Europe, the USA, and Australia.
In this edition, Mick explores the rich history of the plastering trowel in the UK, while Mary shares her experience of being invited onto Woman’s Hour. Colin takes us behind the scenes of his incredible restoration work on a historic windmill and cottage in Bickerstaffe. Plus, we’re shining the spotlight on two exceptionally skilled plasterers: Mr. Christopher Kelly and Mr. Alan Arbuthnot. And that’s just the start—there’s plenty more inside!
Don’t miss a single edition—subscribe today for free, and every issue will be delivered straight to your inbox If you’ve got a story to tell or would like to be featured in Lath and Plaster, we’d love to hear from you. Share your craft and passion with our growing community.
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
POD CAST
Hosted by Mick and Dave, expect plenty of cracking stories, a healthy dose of banter, and a soundtrack packed with brilliant tunes. Funny, entertaining, and just the right side of cheeky — it’s the podcast you didn’t know you needed.
👉 That’s Skimming Alright — coming soon to your favourite podcast platform.
Each episode will feature engaging topical discussions, special guest speakers, and a curated selection of music. The podcast is proudly brought to you by Lath and Plaster.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2532392
A Momentous Occasion at the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers
Lath and Plaster would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Master Plasterers Mr Keith Langden, Mr Gary Jones, and Mr Sean Wheatley on becoming Livery Men of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.
A Historical Timeline of Plastering Trowels in the UK By Mick Hargreaves
Plastering trowels have been essential tools for centuries, shaping the walls and ceilings of homes, churches, and great halls across Britain. The question of which company first sold plastering trowels in the UK is not straightforward. Before the rise of industrial tool brands, these implements were the domain of local smiths and small workshops.
From Apprentice to Expert: Christopher Kelly’s Plastering Career
Christopher Kelly, owner of C A Kelly, has dedicated over three decades to the plastering trade. His journey began while still at school, when a work experience placement with local council joiners unexpectedly led to an apprenticeship opportunity. At the time, Christopher admits, he had no idea what a plasterer did, but the craft quickly became his passion.
Mary-Havana Little Fibrous Plasterwork
Mary-Havana Little, a talented fibrous plasterer, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s *Woman’s Hour* to share her love for traditional plasterwork and encourage women to enter the craft. Using historic techniques, she creates decorative mouldings for heritage restoration and bespoke design.
Keith Teaching Heritage Skills in Traditional Plasterwork
Keith has been busy teaching heritage skills to students at the Tywi Centre, located at Dinefwr Farm in Llandeilo, Wales. He provided an outstanding hands-on learning experience in the traditional craft of plasterwork.
Historic Bickerstaffe Windmill and Cottage Get Restored By Master Plasterer Mr Colin Morris
The restoration of the historic Bickerstaffe Windmill has recently reached an important milestone with the completion of its lime rendering, and work is now being finalised on the adjoining Miller’s Cottage. Although these two properties belong to different owners, they share a common heritage and now a matching traditional lime render finish that reflects their historic character.
Alan Arbuthnot Mastering the Art of Plastering: A Personal Journey
My journey into the plastering trade was driven by a core belief: once acquired, knowledge, skill, and experience are lifelong assets. These qualities, once honed, provide the freedom to work anywhere, at any time, with nothing more than the tools of the trade
Rachel Tanith Venetian Plasterwork
This month, Rachel has decided to take a short break from creating her signature, high-quality Venetian finishes and return to the fundamentals of her craft: producing exceptional traditional plastering finishes.
James Collier Pargetting
Exploring Pargetting: A Cultural Workshop in Transylvania
Ryan fibrous workshop
Ryan’s story Support Meant Deafness Was No Barrier to Ryan Starting His Own Plastering Business
Work by day, black stuff by night, and a rough, hard life , By David Winchester
It was half past midnight on New Year’s Day, 1987. I sat there thinking about what kind of year lay ahead. I had a wife, a mortgage, and two kids. What I didn’t have was work.
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
Decorative Mouldings
Columns Cornices & Curves
Subscribe
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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
Amelia Island Lighthouse, Florida
We were honoured to contribute to the preservation efforts at the Amelia Island Lighthouse, Florida’s oldest operating lighthouse and a treasured part of the state’s coastal history.
Learn Plastering: Skills for Beginners
There are two types of key;
Mechanical and Liquid
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.
Lath and Plaster 