Lath and Plaster is run by a friendly team of skilled plasterers. Each person on the team has experience in different parts of the plastering job. 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.
David Winchester Editor
David spent 30 years working as a plasterer, both managing his own company and serving in supervisory roles for other employers. After an injury forced him to step away from the trade, he chose to share his knowledge and experience with young trainee plasterers. In 2003, he joined Burnley College as a part-time Plastering Lecturer.
The following year, in 2004, David was appointed Programme Leader for Plastering at the college. His dedication to teaching and the plastering profession led to several personal honours, including being awarded the Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers and receiving the Freedom of the City of London. In 2015, his outstanding contributions were further recognised with the prestigious Lifetime Contribution to Training Award.
Mick Hargreaves
Mick has over 30 years of experience in the plastering trade, progressing from apprentice to Programme Leader at a college—a role he held for many years. During his time in education, he earned numerous qualifications, including a certificate in Internal Quality Assurance. After more than two decades in the education sector, Mick decided to return to hands-on work, establishing his own plastering company operating throughout Cheshire. He now shares his extensive knowledge of the trade through contributions to the magazine.
Rachel Tanith
My inspiration to pursue a career in plastering came from my passion for creativity and the satisfaction of seeing a project come together. The ability to transform a space and witness the final outcome was incredibly appealing. Additionally, I was motivated by the fact that plastering was a predominantly male industry at the time, and I wanted to challenge the norm and establish myself in the field.
Keith Langton
Beginning my journey as a plastering apprentice in 1978 under the guidance of the exceptional Jonathan James in Rainham, Essex, I have been fortunate to work on some of the most prestigious and breath taking projects, both internationally and at home. Along the way, I have had the privilege of collaborating with some truly remarkable individuals who have enriched my career and fuelled my passion for the craft.
James Collier
5 year apprenticeship as a bricklayer, competed in bricklaying competitions as an apprentice, received the silver trowel award in 1989 at Norwich City College.
Went self employed in 1991, and started my own small building company in 2000, while renovating my own clay lump property I discovered the traditional art of Pargetting in lime plaster, and fell in love with the skill, I’ve since stopped building and now concentrate on Pargetting, sculpting (bas relief) and also my artworks which are available in some local art galleries.
Ryan Swart
Support Meant Deafness Was No Barrier to Ryan Starting His Own Plastering Business ,Undeterred, Ryan took matters into his own hands. Rather than relying on traditional employment routes, he decided to set up his own plastering business, focusing primarily on domestic projects. He reached out to the Government’s Access to Work programme, which offers financial assistance to disabled individuals, covering extra costs associated with their disabilities. The program provided crucial funding for a BSL interpreter, enabling Ryan to effectively communicate with clients, handle telephone inquiries, and manage administrative tasks.
Colin Morris
Colin had the chance to study plastering at Bolton Metropolitan College at the Advanced Craft Level. During his final year, he was fortunate to learn from Jim Taylor, who was teaching for the last time. Jim Taylor is the author of Plastering by J.B. Taylor, a highly regarded manual in the industry.
Lath and Plaster 