Spring 2020

9 Breaking The Mould Some might see the ornamental plaster of yesterday as something unable to be recaptured in this day and age, but to the team at London Plastercraft, it’s just another day at the office. Working in restoration, recreation and rejuvenation, it’s no wonder that they’ve been voted 2020's Most Trusted Plastering Company – London in LUXlife. We profiled them to discover more. After thirty years in the business, London Plastercraft has gained a reputation for being able to handle whatever is thrown at it. With one of the largest ranges of high-quality moulds in the business, and the ability to handle bespoke work for clients, the expertise that the team has built up is unparalleled. It has seen them invited to work the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, and even in Europe. The art of plaster mouldings really took off in the United Kingdom with the Georgian era, and remains popular to this day. While you might think that this sort of work is purely restorative, London Plastercraft have a great deal of work in all sorts of circumstances. From new builds to residential homes, from listed buildings to commercial properties, all see the appeal that a fine piece of plasterwork can offer, adding a touch of class and sophistication that draws on a long and rich history. These intricate pieces require precision work not only to form, but to fit, and this is where the hardworking and talented team at London Plastercraft really come into their own. This is an organisation with the experience to provide expert advice on all sorts of work, both interior and exterior. Clients range from small residential customers to the largest commercial properties, each taking advantage of the wide range of options on offer. Able to recreate chosen periods of history, or offer something entirely new, the team have the ability to satisfy any wish. Not just finding the beauty in the new, London Plastercraft specialise in restoring the old as well. Priding themselves on excellent craftsmanship that satisfies all the needs a client could dream of, they have picked up a few tricks of the trade that lift their work above and beyond other companies in the field. In the case of cornice repair, London Plastercraft is delighted to offer a dedicated service that skilfully removes layers of paint to reveal the original, sharp plasterwork underneath. It’s a delicate operation that allows the original sculpt to once again take centre-stage. Of course, while some mouldings are stripped back to their original condition, lovingly restored and given a new lease of life, others are instead replicated exactly as found. This involves keeping every aspect built up over years of wear and tear, including all the imperfections and layers of paint that allow them to appear original. Perfectly imperfect, this is a technique that greatly suits period properties where mouldings can stand out by looking far newer than they should. Even within a market that draws on history, keeping track of the changing trends in plaster mouldings is always first for the London Plastercraft’s team. Currently in vogue are light trough cornices, pieces of plasterwork that are hollowed to contain strip lighting that elevate the mood of a room. As the bouncing light creates a natural softness, this development provides an ambient mood that holds a special appeal whether situated in a Georgian period property or the latest in new-build. The variety of work that London Plasterwork undertakes is a testament to the team’s tenacity, talent and skill. Not just providing exquisite new pieces that match a certain style, their work brings back to life that which was long since gone. It’s the work of specialists with passion and love for the craft, and it is this aspect that shines through every facet of the work they do. Company: London Plastercraft Contact: Mark McKeever Web Address: www.londonplastercraft.com Dec19007