From Tree to Lath

Word from the Editor

From the Editor
Welcome to the 13th edition of The Lath and Plaster Magazine!

In this issue, we’ve gathered some truly fascinating features for you. From Tree to Lath will be of particular interest to those in the heritage sector, offering a deeper look at the traditional materials and methods that shape our craft.

Mick shares his thoughts on the podcast That’s Skimming Alright alongside his blog, Two Lads, One Mic, Not a Clue—and that’s exactly how we like it! Keith takes us behind the scenes of one of his recent projects: the restoration of a historic hotel ceiling in Stratford-upon-Avon. Meanwhile, Colin has been busy with lime work on not one, but two beautiful church restorations.

And that’s just the beginning—there’s plenty more to discover in this edition.

Enjoy the read,
David Winchester
Editor, The Lath and Plaster Magazine

Haunting Secrets Behind the Walls

You could smell the damp before you even walked into the place.
Old Victorian terrace, gutted down to the studs, half the plaster stripped and crumbling. The boss wanted it skimmed quick before the frost hit.
Three-man crew: Daz, Connor, and Lee.

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

That’s Skimming Alright

The Plasterers Podcast “That’s Skimming Alright”

Feature

From Tree to Lath

I’m lucky enough to have grown up in Devon with quite a different upbringing than most. From the age of one, I was going to Glastonbury Festival on the Green Craft Field with my father, who really ignited my interest in wood, traditional crafts, and dying skills. He worked on top of Exmoor teaching local schoolkids—often the ones who weren’t thriving in classrooms—skills like hedge-laying, dry-stone walling, and forestry. It was like catnip to me.

Two lads, one mic, not a clue – and that’s exactly how we like it.

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be co-hosting a podcast, I’d have laughed you off the scaffold. I’m a plasterer, not a presenter. But here we are – That’s Skimming Alright is live, and me and Dave are chatting our way through the plastering world one episode at a time. So, why did we start it? Simple. Because no one else was.

Restoration of Historic Hotel Ceiling in Stratford-upon-Avon

When tasked with restoring the lobby of a Grade II* hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, we knew the project would test every facet of our conservation and plaster restoration expertise.

A Tale of Two Churches: Why Lime Still Delivers

We recently completed lime plastering work on two very different churches – St. Michael and St. John’s in Clitheroe and St. Paul’s in Blackley, Manchester.

Colin McCaughey – Self-Employed Trainer/Assessor

Colin McCaughey is a self-employed trainer and assessor in the plastering trade, with a long-standing and respected career in both practical and educational aspects of the field. Interestingly, his journey into plastering began by chance rather than by design. Initially, Colin had applied for a plumbing course at his local government training centre. After completing the interview process, he was informed that the plumbing course was full and was instead offered a place in the plastering program. Despite the unexpected change, Colin never looked back and soon developed a deep passion for the trade.

From Apprentice to Freeman: The Journey of the Plasterer, 1600

Plastering is one of the oldest and most enduring building crafts. Its smooth walls and ornate ceilings have shaped our architectural heritage, yet behind every elegant cornice lies a story of skill, discipline, and centuries of tradition. Between 1600 and 1950, the path from apprentice to freeman in the plastering trade reflected not only the evolution of craftsmanship but also the changing fabric of British society — from guild regulation and city charters to industrialisation and technical education.

Introducing In-situ Running Render: A Heritage-Grade Solution for Cornices & Mouldings

At The Natural Plaster Company, every cornice, every moulding, every architectural flourish is a story waiting to be told. Today, we’re proud to unveil the next chapter in that story: In-situ Running Render — a high-performance, natural-cement mortar system specially formulated for the in-place repair, reproduction, and integration of period external cornices and mouldings.

James Collie Studio Update: Preparing for the Christmas Fair and Upcoming Teaching Adventurers

It’s been a little while since I last did much in the way of pargetting or lime plastering, but the quieter studio time has given me the chance to focus on a few creative side projects. One of them is a new piece I’ve just finished — a plaster relief of a horse — created especially for the Christmas Fair at Designermakers 21 in Diss.

Swart Plaster Mouldings: Crafting Heritage, Restoring Elegance

Welcome to Swart Plaster Mouldings Ltd — where traditional craft meets timeless beauty. Whether you’re restoring a Victorian townhouse, or adding architectural grandeur to a modern home, Swart offers bespoke plaster mouldings and lime plastering services that bring character, quality, and heritage to every corner. (rsplastermouldings.co.uk)

R T Plastering: Expert Transformations for Kitchens and Bathrooms

There is something deeply satisfying about that moment when a project comes together, when the walls are smooth, the lines are crisp, and every room feels brand new. That is exactly what R T Plastering have achieved with their latest work, a full house refurbishment and kitchen transformation in Gunnislake, Cornwall, along with a bathroom revamp over the border in Devon.

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.

Introducing the Lath & Plaster Plastering Trilogy!

Crafted by experts and trusted by students, this collection takes you step-by-step through the art and technique of plastering in both paperback and affordable e-book formats. Available now:

Basic Plastering Skills

Plastering: Basic Plastering Skills by David Winchester is the ultimate beginner’s guide to mastering plastering. Written by a third-generation plasterer and experienced tutor, this book covers essential techniques—from preparing surfaces and fixing boards to internal and external plastering.

With clear instructions, over 100 colour photos, and step-by-step guidance, it’s ideal for Level 1–2 students, apprentices, and DIY enthusiasts. Learn proper tool use, safety practices, and professional finishes that last. Whether you’re repairing a wall or starting a trade career, this practical, visual handbook builds confidence and skill. Smooth your future—start plastering the right way today!

Plasterwork Decorative Mouldings

Plasterwork: Decorative Mouldings by David Winchester is an expertly crafted, richly illustrated guide to the art of decorative plastering. Covering everything from simple panel moulds to more advanced fluted columns and ornamental work, the book walks readers through each stage of the process with clear, practical explanations. Beautiful full-colour photographs and detailed diagrams make complex techniques easy to follow, whether you’re a student, apprentice, or DIY enthusiast.

Author David Winchester—a seasoned plasterer and lecturer—brings decades of hands-on trade experience to the page, combining traditional craftsmanship with accessible instruction. The book also includes a helpful glossary of key terms and interactive learning elements such as quizzes and word searches, making it ideal for both classroom use and self-study.

Readers have praised Plasterwork: Decorative Mouldings for its clarity, visual layout, and practical value. One reviewer described it as “an excellent resource—a must for any plasterer,” noting the quality of the step-by-step guidance and illustrations.

Whether you’re learning the trade, enhancing your decorative skills, or seeking inspiration for your next project, this book provides everything you need to create stunning plaster mouldings with confidence and precision.

Columns, Cornices & Curves

Columns, Cornices & Curves by David Winchester is the ultimate guide for anyone ready to advance their plastering and decorative moulding skills. Aimed at Level 3 students, apprentices, and skilled DIYers, this comprehensive handbook explores complex plasterwork such as curved walls, arches, coffered ceilings, and ornate cornices. Winchester’s expertise shines through every page, combining clear explanations with vivid, full-colour images that make even the most intricate methods easy to follow.

The book includes practical learning tools such as a glossary of technical terms, quizzes, and activities to help reinforce key concepts. Reviewers and educators praise it as an “excellent, easy-to-understand pictorial guide,” widely used in plastering courses for its clarity and depth.

David Winchester, a master craftsman and experienced lecturer, brings decades of real-world experience into a practical, classroom-friendly format. His passion for the trade and dedication to teaching make this an inspiring and invaluable resource.

Whether you’re mastering decorative features or striving for architectural-level finishes, Columns, Cornices & Curves gives you the confidence, precision, and knowledge to bring elegance and craftsmanship to your plastering work. Transform every surface you touch—build with skill, detail, and artistry.

Subscribe

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Each edition is thoughtfully curated to bring you practical guidance, in-depth tutorials, and inspiring restoration stories from experts in the field. Whether you’re a skilled craftsman, a contractor, a preservationist, or simply passionate about traditional building methods, our magazine offers something valuable for you.

Join our growing community of professionals and enthusiasts today and gain access to exclusive interviews, product reviews, and expert commentary. Stay informed about emerging trends, modern applications of classic plastering methods, and innovative restoration practices that honor historic craftsmanship. From traditional lime plaster mixes to advanced repair solutions, Lath and Plaster Magazine connects you with the knowledge and inspiration to elevate your work.

Sign up now and enjoy high-quality, engaging content delivered straight to your inbox — no spam, no fees, just pure passion for the art of plaster.

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

https://oldeworldwallsinc.com/

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.

Learn Plastering: Skills for Beginners

Plastering: Basic Plastering Skills by David Winchester is the ultimate beginner’s guide to mastering plastering. Written by a third-generation plasterer and experienced tutor, this book covers essential techniques—from preparing surfaces and fixing boards to internal and external plastering.

With clear instructions, over 100 colour photos, and step-by-step guidance, it’s ideal for Level 1–2 students, apprentices, and DIY enthusiasts. Learn proper tool use, safety practices, and professional finishes that last. Whether you’re repairing a wall or starting a trade career, this practical, visual handbook builds confidence and skill. Smooth your future—start plastering the right way today!