RIAI CPD Links: History, Repair and Cleaning of Historic Plasterwork: Flatwork and Decorative Stucco - In Person Seminar

SEMINAR CONTENT

This in-person seminar, led by two leading historic plaster experts, includes practical demonstration and site inspection of historic plasterwork in 18 Ormond Quay Upper, central Dublin. Mid-morning refreshments are provided. Lunch is not included.

Previously run in 2019 to a full audience, this half-day seminar on 24th July 2024 will focus on the history and repair of interior plasterwork, both decorative work and flatwork. Many historic interiors in Ireland are finished in plain lime plaster, composed of two- and three-coat work on walls and lath-and-plaster on ceilings. Such plaster comprises the essential fabric of our commonplace buildings – especially domestic, commercial, institutional and religious structures. Understanding correct approaches to its repair and retention, when much plaster is often lost during renovation, is vital to protect special character. Additionally, Ireland has a fine tradition of decorative plasterwork, ranging from modest ceiling roses and cornices, to elaborate ceiling and wall stuccowork, which requires specialist knowledge and skill to undertake cleaning, repair and restoration.

This morning event will be led by two leading experts in plaster specification, defect diagnostics, cleaning and virtuoso modelling: Andrew Smith, Smith & Henderson Stuccodores and Frank Keohane, Chartered Building Surveyor, SCSI Grade I Conservation Surveyor. A blend of lectures, live decorative plaster casting, and tying/restraining of a mid-18th century ceiling demonstration, will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the composition of historic plaster and to quiz experts on the logistics and specification for repair.

Please Note: Full PPE is not required but sturdy shoes are advised for using stairs in the unrefurbished part of the building

Recording: A recording will not be made of this event. In-person attendance is required.

PROGRAMME

09:45 – 10:00 Registration

10:00 Composition and Repair of Historic Plaster and Flatwork
Frank Keohane, Chartered Building Surveyor 

Topics: Two and three-coat work, masonry substrates, embedded timbers, lath-and-plaster studwork and ceilings, plaster mixes, thermal plasters and general upgrading, plaster specification

Q&A

11:10 Tea/Coffee refreshments
 

11:30 History of Decorative Plaster and Approaches to Repair and Conservation
Andrew Smith, Stuccodore, Smith & Henderson

Topics: Rococo and neoclassical styles, integrated decorative interiors, composition of decorative plaster, paint specification, paint removal and plaster cleaning, casting and freehand work

Demonstration: Bench casting of plaster elements, paint removal from 1750s rococo cornice and restraining historic ceilings in 68 Arran Street East

Interactive Q&A

13:10 Close

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Frank Keohane is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Architectural Historian who has specialised in surveying, recording, repair, refurbishment and conservation of historic buildings in Ireland for almost 30 years. Frank is a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Having completed the RICS Building Conservation Accreditation Scheme (BCAS), he is one of only four chartered surveyors in Ireland fully accredited in building conservation.

Frank’s extensive experience includes the inspection, repair and refurbishment of town and country houses, commercial and public buildings and churches of various denominations. He is Chair of the SCSI Conservation Committee, a member of the SCSI Building Surveying Committee and the RICS Conservation Forum Board – and is author of the leading Dublin Civic Trust publication: Irish Period Houses – A Conservation Guidance Manual.

Andrew Smith is co-owner with Sean Henderson of Smith & Henderson Stuccodores, a specialist practice that has conserved some of the finest and most significant decorative plasterwork in Ireland. Established in 1991, the firm’s work has included repair, cleaning and consolidation of historic stuccowork in Farmleigh House, Aras an Uachtaráin, Leinster House, Kilmainham Courthouse, Dublin Castle and more recently the Tenement Museum on Dublin's Henrietta Street.

With over 30 years’ experience as a conservator and skilled sculptural artist, Andrew undertakes both the conservation of existing plasterwork as well as commissions for original new work designed within the strong decorative stucco tradition in Ireland. Andrew is passionate about traditional plasterworking skills, retaining historic fabric and upholding the wider Irish building tradition and its associated decorative arts.