Decorative Plasterwork & Restoration

Cornice restoration involves repairing or replacing the decorative moulding that runs around the junction of walls and ceiling. Period cornices range from simple coved profiles to elaborate multi-element designs with dentils, egg-and-dart motifs, and acanthus leaves. Damage commonly occurs from water ingress, structural movement, or careless previous alterations. A skilled plasterer can repair missing sections by taking a mould from surviving areas and casting matching pieces, or by running new sections in situ using a metal template cut to the profile. In some cases, an entire cornice may need replacement to achieve a uniform finish.

Ceiling roses were originally designed to provide ventilation for gas lighting while serving as decorative centrepieces. They range from simple concentric ring designs to elaborate floral compositions several feet in diameter. Original ceiling roses can suffer from cracking, water damage, or loss of fine detail under layers of paint. Restoration may involve careful cleaning to reveal original detail, filling cracks with appropriate materials, and recasting missing elements. New ceiling roses in period styles are readily available as fibrous plaster castings, though bespoke designs can be created for unusual or listed properties.

Beyond cornices and ceiling roses, period properties may feature a wide range of decorative plaster elements including wall panels, pilasters, columns, niches, architraves around doors and windows, and elaborate ceiling designs. Creating or restoring these features requires understanding of classical proportions, historical accuracy, and practical application techniques. Master plasterers can model new designs in clay before casting in plaster, match existing damaged work from photographs or fragments, and advise on period-appropriate treatments for different eras and architectural styles.

Fibrous plaster is a manufacturing technique where plaster is reinforced with hessian scrim or fibreglass to create lightweight but strong panels and mouldings. Developed in the 19th century, it revolutionised decorative plasterwork by allowing complex designs to be cast in a workshop and fixed on site, rather than modelled in place. Modern fibrous plaster specialists can reproduce any historic design, create bespoke pieces from architects' drawings, and manufacture in quantities for larger projects. The technique is particularly suited to ceiling roses, panel mouldings, and any decorative element that benefits from workshop precision.

Coving provides a simple curved transition between wall and ceiling, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. While less elaborate than a full cornice, coving adds elegance to a room and helps mask any irregularity where walls meet ceilings. Period coving comes in various profiles and sizes, from tight quarter-round designs to sweeping coved ceilings. Modern plaster coving is typically installed using adhesive and can be painted to match the room. For listed buildings or high-end restoration, lime-based coving may be specified for full breathability and authentic finish.