I was honoured when a member of the team at Fix Radio reached out to ask if I would consider making a sign for them. It was a flattering request, and I gladly accepted without hesitation. I love creating unique pieces, and this was an exciting project to take on.
The sign I crafted was quite large, measuring 1 meter by 1.2 meters, and ended up being quite heavy—around 40kg. The entire process took me about three days to complete, mainly due to the cold temperatures in my workshop at the time. Since it was January, I had to pace myself, working on the sign in stages, allowing it to dry properly before moving on to the next step. The frame was made from softwood, which I aged using a wire brush attachment on a drill, and an adze axe to give the edges a naturally worn and rustic look. I then finished the piece with antique pine wax to enhance its character and bring out the grain.
Getting the sign to Fix Radio’s studios in London was another adventure. I traveled with a buddy who happened to have a site survey nearby, so we teamed up, and I hitched a ride with him. The journey was smooth, and upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the Fix Radio team. Everyone was enthusiastic about the sign, and it was great to see their excitement upon unveiling the finished piece. Spending a few hours at the studio gave me the opportunity to observe how things operate behind the scenes, which was a fascinating experience.
One of the highlights of my visit was meeting Chris Frediani, widely recognized from the popular TV show DIY SOS. He also hosts the Plastering Show at Fix Radio, so it was a privilege to chat with him in person. Before my on-air segment, I was handed a sheet with the questions I would be asked, giving me some time to gather my thoughts. The atmosphere was relaxed, which made the entire experience even more enjoyable.
When it was time for my recording, we set up in the studio, and before officially starting, we had a friendly chat to ease into the process. Chris was incredibly welcoming and down-to-earth, which made for an easy and enjoyable conversation. Although this was my third recording with Fix Radio, it was my first time being in the studio rather than doing it remotely over the phone. The in-person experience added a whole new dynamic, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Being able to share my craft and passion for Pargetting is something I truly cherish. Seeing people’s reactions to my work makes every challenge worthwhile. I hope the team at Fix Radio enjoys the artwork I created for them as much as I enjoyed making it. It was an absolute pleasure, and if the opportunity arises again, I would be more than happy to return for another project or recording.
Lath and Plaster 