Traditional Plastering - 2nd Conservation Workshop

Plastering Demonstration
Taleyna Fletcher
Philip Gaches demonstrating decorative plastering skills
Taleyna Fletcher
Philip Gaches demonstrating decorative plastering skills
Taleyna Fletcher
Sections of historic plaster
Taleyna Fletcher
Decorative plastering demonstration
Taleyna Fletcher
Philip Gaches creating decorative plaster details
Taleyna Fletcher
Having a go at making plaster flowers
Taleyna Fletcher
Plaster Flower
Taleyna Fletcher
Philips decorative plaster demonstration panel
Taleyna Fletcher
Having a go at plaster moulding
Taleyna Fletcher
Susanah with her plaster flower
Taleyna Fletcher

On Saturday 2nd March we held our 2nd Conservation Workshop on Traditional Plastering at Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum.

We had more than 30 participants who had signed up in advance – many were owners of listed buildings or older properties in Wisbech and surrounding area.

We were delighted to welcome Philip Gaches to deliver the workshop. Philip is considered a “master plasterer” and has worked on some of the most prestigious historic buildings in the UK and beyond. For more information see www.philipgaches.com

Philip gave us a fascinating talk about  lime plaster – where it comes from, how its made and mixed, how it has been used historically and how it is used today. We saw some examples of sites Philip has worked with and everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and advice about their own plastering projects and queries.

We then went outside to see Philip give a practical demonstration and to watch him create a decorative plaster panel. At the end everyone was given the opportunity to have a go at making their own decorative plaster flowers to take home. In addition to Philips talk and demonstration there was also an opportunity to view some ongoing plaster repair works being undertaken by specialists in one of the rooms at Octavia Hill museum which was recently damaged by leaking water.

We were delighted to be able to hand out copies of our Conservation Guidance Booklet “Love it or Lose It” which attendees could take home. The booklet which gives some useful tips and guidance for owners of listed and historic properties can be downloaded from the project website.  Click here for link to download.

Thanks to Philip for providing such an interesting talk and impressive demonstration and to Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum for providing a wonderful location for the talk and the use of Centenary Green for the practical work. Thanks also to Aldo Ierubino from the Wisbech Society and Katie McAndrew from Fenland District Councils Conservation team for helping to organise and making sure the day went smoothly.

The workshop was organised by the Wisbech High Street Project being delivered by Fenland District Council. It was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Wisbech High Street Projects Activity Plan.

Keep an eye on the website for future workshops.

Scroll down for more photos from the day.

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