Old House Project: Plastering

Event details

On this one-day workshop, which combines introductory talks, live demonstrations, and hands-on practical teaching, you will learn about traditional lime plastering and rendering from master plasterer, Michael O’Reilly, at the SPAB’s Old House Project.  Following background presentations covering topics including the history of vernacular & decorative plastering, different types of limes, mixes & binders, and common defects & repair techniques, you will then gain practical, hands-on experience at mixing, background preparation and application techniques.  

The course is being held at the SPAB’s Old House Project where work is currently ongoing, giving you a rare opportunity to learn about traditional plastering theory and practice, whilst witnessing the work being carried out in real time by our contractors, Owlsworth IJP, who will also be on-hand to answer any of your questions.

About the tutor

Michael O’Reilly – Master Plasterer

Michael has worked with Owlsworth IJP for many years, often fronting our Heritage Skills events. 
An eminently skilled lime plasterer, Michael has devoted his working life amassing a wealth of knowledge, artefacts and examples of all aspects of plasterwork.  A member of the SPAB and Building Limes Forum, Michael is a great orator and passionate about passing on his knowledge to others.

Programme

09:30     Meet at The Old House Project site entrance
                You will be escorted to the site by Catherine Rose, Training Officer
                Tea & Coffee will be available 

09.45     Welcome and Introductions
                Health and Safety Briefing

10:00     Introduction to Old House Project 
        
10:30     Introductory talks covering:

- Brief history of lime plastering and rendering: vernacular through to decorative
- Types of limes and their characteristics
- Use of local materials
- Typical mixes, including use of hair as binder
    
11.15     Morning Refreshments

11.30     Introductory talks cont.

- Smooth & roughcast finishes
- Surface finishing, including pargetting and limewash
- Common defects & repair techniques

12:30     Lunch (This is a working site with very limited catering provision, so we advise delegates to bring along a packed lunch.)

13:30     Practical Session One

- Mixing up plaster/render
- Background preparation

14.30     Afternoon Refreshments

14:45     Practical Session Two

- Fixing laths
- Application & tending

16:30     Final Q&A and discussion

17.00     Close 

About the Old House Project

The SPAB’s Old House Project site is a Grade II* ‘building at risk’ near Maidstone, Kent. St Andrews (former) chapel is a ‘sleeping beauty’ that has stood empty for around 50 years. When the SPAB bought the building in November 2018, it was hidden behind an overgrown garden; vandal damage had left the site vulnerable; and parts of the roof were leaking. In 2018 and early 2019 emergency work to the roof and windows was carried out and a security system installed. In 2020 our bespoke scaffolding was in place, allowing socially-distanced access to the roof. We carried out vital roof repairs to the characterful 20th century post office extension, embarked on extensive archaeological work to help us understand the story of St Andrews, and much more. But there are significant repairs still to be done. 

St Andrews has a colourful and fascinating history: it has housed a relic of St Andrew, was owned by Tudor poet Thomas Wyatt, and acted as a local post office in the 20th century. Over the course of the project the SPAB will work with Historic England, Kent Archaeological Society and the local council to uncover more of the building’s story and to bring St Andrew’s back to life. 

We are increasingly concerned about the decline of craft skills in the UK. A fifth of our housing stock is pre-1919 but much of the maintenance and repair work on these buildings is undertaken by people without specialist skills. In purchasing St Andrews we have embarked on a five-year project to repair this characterful medieval building whilst showcasing the very best conservation methods and materials.

We will share our learnings and progress through our education programme, video demonstrations and the project book (see project resources below). When it comes to historic buildings we advocate repair over demolition. The Old House Project will show what can be done to bring an 'at risk' building back into use.
 

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.