An Introduction to Lime Plastering

An Introduction to Lime Plastering

8 - 9 October 2021
Conservation Skills Centre, Coleshill Home Farm (National Trust), Coleshill, near Swindon, SN6 7PT
£490 pp   FULLY BOOKED
£90 pp bursary place *Bursary application now closed.

This event is currently full. Please join the waiting list and you will be notified if spaces become available.
We are hoping to run this course again in spring 2022.

Led by Sean Wheatley and Michal Wolf, both expert plasterers with extensive site experience, this two-day course provides a practical introduction to the use of traditional lime plaster and plastering techniques.   

Participants will gain an understanding of the preparation and application of traditional lime-based plaster, and benefit from a hands-on opportunity to practice applying lime plaster to a range of surfaces - lath, masonry and modern substrates - with expert guidance.    

The course will appeal to trainee and experienced craftspeople alike, as well as experienced others looking to develop their practical skills, and specifiers wishing to develop or enhance their understanding of traditional lime-based materials.  

This course is ideal for participants with some level of practical skills or plastering experience, who wish to develop or enhance their understanding of traditional lime-based  materials. Trainees in plastering, and experienced plasterers looking to broaden their existing skills or to begin working with lime, will particularly benefit.   

The SPAB is an IHBC recognised CPD provider and attendance certificates for CPD are available on request. 

This a is a two-day course. Refreshments and lunch are provided.  Accommodation is not included. Spaces are limited to allow for small group learning.   

Programme:

Friday, 8 October 2021
09:30   Registration 
10:00   Welcome
10:15   Introduction to lime - slaking, mixing and sand selection
11:30   Practical session
12:30   Lunch
13:00   Fixing laths and alternative substrates
14:00   Applying lime plaster to lath
15:00   Break
15:15   Practical session 
16:30   Presentation of projects
17:30   Close

Saturday, 9 October 2021
09:15   Registration 
09:30   Practical session
11:00   Break
11:15   Practical session
12:45   Lunch
13:30   Practical session
15:00   Break
15:30   Repairs to lath and plaster ceilings
16:00   An introduction to running a cornice in situ
17:30   Close

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 
The course will take place in a workshop. Delegates should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. PPE (hi viz, goggles, gloves) and all tools and materials will be provided. Delegates are welcome to bring their own goggles and gloves if they wish. 

Bursary: 
A number of bursary places are available on this course at the reduced fee of £90 per person. Anyone can apply for a bursary, but priority will be given to students (of any age), particularly those on construction skills courses, and to other people seeking to develop their lime plastering skills who are on a low income or currently unemployed. The SPAB is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity in the sector. We particularly welcome applications by people from backgrounds underrepresented in building conservation. 

Bursary places are made possible through the generous support of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers. 

To apply for a bursary place on his course, please email us at education@spab.org.uk to tell us:
- why you’d like to attend the course;
- how you would benefit from attending;
- about your need for the bursary. 

Please attach a short CV which tells us a bit more about you – your background, interests, and any training and/or work to date. 

If you have any questions before you apply, or would prefer to apply in another format, please email us at education@spab.org.uk marking your message “Lime Plastering Bursary”. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 24 September 2021. Applicants will be contacted about the outcome of their application by Friday 1 October 2021. Please do not book a place on the workshop online if you intend to apply for a bursary. 

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

Tutors:

Sean Wheatley - traditional plasterer
Sean has worked as a plasterer for 40 years - initially with modern materials and for the last 30 years he has concentrated on traditional methods, materials and decorative plasterwork. Sean has also been involved in the preparation of reports, surveys and methodologies regarding the conservation and restoration of historic plasterwork in listed and historic buildings. 

Michal Wolf - plasterer and conservator in lime
Michal is the founder of All Things Lime, a small but dynamic company which helps owners of traditional buildings and national charities to look after their historic buildings. Michal believes in a positive and sensible approach towards caring for historic buildings, and is also interested in traditional methods of working and keeping the craft alive by researching and using different lime plasters (such as chalk lime and hot lime). 

Traditional Building Materials and Skills Courses at Coleshill
This course is part of an exciting new series of practical courses offered by the SPAB in association with the National Trust and held at its training centre on the beautiful Coleshill estate in Oxfordshire.  Focusing on traditional skills and materials, particularly lime, and delivered by expert tutors, these courses combine introductory talks with demonstrations and hands-on skills teaching.  With small group sizes and a practical focus, there’s plenty of time for questions and discussion with tutors and fellow participants, and opportunity to try, develop or extend craft and building skills in a workshop setting.   

Other courses in this series include:
An Introduction to Letter Cutting in Stone, 22 - 24 October 2021
An Introduction to Lime in Building, 11 November 2021
Hot Limes in Building, 12 November 2021

COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures: Government COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in England, but we recommend that all delegates bring and wear their own mask during the workshop. Hand washing stations and hand sanitiser will be available. If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) - a new, continuous cough; high temperature; a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms of the virus, we ask that you inform us immediately and do not attend the workshop. Our measures are subject to change in accordance with Government guidelines. 

Booking Terms & Conditions