Mouldings & Fibrous Plaster.

  • Interior of a building under construction with a decorative ceiling medallion, hanging electrical fixtures, arched windows, and wooden flooring in progress.

    Restoration of Historic Mouldings.

    Historic Moulding Restoration

    Restoring historic mouldings is a highly skilled craft that preserves the architectural character and detail of period buildings. Over time, original plaster and stucco mouldings can suffer from damage, inappropriate repairs, or complete loss β€” often due to water ingress, movement, or modern alterations. Our work focuses on sensitive, like-for-like restoration to bring these details back to life.

    β€’ πŸ› Conservation & Repair – Where mouldings survive, we stabilise and repair them using compatible lime and fibrous plaster techniques. Cracks and losses are carefully made good to retain as much original fabric as possible.

    β€’ ✍ Reproduction & Reinstatement – For missing sections, we take accurate profiles and casts from existing details or historic evidence. Using traditional methods and materials, we replicate the original mouldings with precision β€” whether simple cornices or intricate decorative work.

    β€’ βš’ Our Approach

    β€’ Careful survey and documentation of existing details

    β€’ Stabilisation of original plaster using compatible materials

    β€’ Hand-run or cast mouldings to match existing profiles

    β€’ Sensitive integration of new work with old for a seamless finish

    β€’ 🌿 Key Benefits

    β€’ Preserves historic fabric and architectural detail

    β€’ Ensures breathability and compatibility with traditional plasters

    β€’ Restores the building’s original character and elegance

    β€’ Combines craftsmanship with conservation best practice

  • Close-up of a brick building under renovation, featuring an arched window with detailed stone trim, surrounded by scaffolding.

    Stucco & External Mouldings.

    Historic External Moulding Restoration (Roman Cement, Stucco & Lime)

    Many historic faΓ§ades feature beautifully crafted external mouldings formed in Roman cement, stucco, or lime. These details are a defining feature of Georgian, Victorian, and earlier buildings β€” but over time, they often suffer from weathering, water ingress, inappropriate repairs, or cement overlays. Sensitive restoration using traditional materials and methods is essential to preserve both their appearance and structural integrity.

    β€’ πŸ› Roman Cement & Stucco – Roman cement was widely used during the 18th and 19th centuries for fine external detail. It sets rapidly and weathers well when correctly applied. Many faΓ§ades were later overcoated with hard cement, which can trap moisture and cause cracking or delamination. We carefully remove damaging repairs, consolidate original work, and reinstate lost sections using authentic Roman cement or compatible lime-based mixes.

    β€’ 🧱 Lime Mouldings & Decorative Work – Earlier buildings often used lime-based mixes for cornices, string courses, window surrounds, and other architectural details. These elements rely on flexibility and breathability. We use traditional hot lime or putty-based mortars to restore these features, ensuring long-term performance in line with the original construction.

    β€’ βš’ Our Approach

    β€’ Careful survey and condition assessment of existing mouldings

    β€’ Removal of inappropriate cement repairs and coatings

    β€’ Consolidation of original Roman cement or lime work

    β€’ Hand-repair, casting, or running in-situ to match original profiles

    β€’ Application of breathable finishes to ensure durability

    β€’ 🌿 Key Benefits

    β€’ Preserves original architectural character and historic fabric

    β€’ Restores breathability and prevents moisture-related decay

    β€’ Uses authentic materials and traditional techniques

    β€’ Provides long-term, compatible repairs rather than short-term fixes

  • Ceiling with decorative molding and a hanging light fixture with exposed bulb.

    Fibrous Plaster.

    Fibrous Plaster Restoration & Reproduction

    Fibrous plasterwork is a hallmark of fine interior decoration from the Georgian period onwards, used extensively for ceilings, cornices, roses, panels, and ornamental features. Made using plaster of Paris reinforced with hessian or timber laths, fibrous plaster allows for crisp, detailed mouldings that can be produced in sections and fixed in place β€” making it both decorative and practical.

    Over time, fibrous plaster can suffer from cracking, water damage, poor fixings, or inappropriate modern repairs. Our approach focuses on careful conservation of surviving elements, combined with precise reproduction where necessary to maintain the original design intent.

    β€’ πŸ› Restoration & Repair – We stabilise existing fibrous mouldings, repair cracked or damaged sections, and reinstate missing details using traditional casting techniques. Where possible, original fabric is retained and consolidated rather than replaced.

    β€’ ✍ Reproduction & Installation – For missing elements, we take accurate templates and casts from surviving details. Using traditional fibrous methods, we reproduce sections in the workshop, then install and finish them seamlessly on site.

    β€’ βš’ Our Approach

    β€’ Detailed survey and profiling of existing mouldings

    β€’ Traditional hessian-reinforced casting and running methods

    β€’ Sensitive integration of new and original work

    β€’ In-situ restoration of ornamental ceilings and cornices

    β€’ 🌿 Key Benefits

    β€’ Preserves historic interior detail and craftsmanship

    β€’ Ensures structural integrity and long-term stability

    β€’ Achieves seamless restoration or reinstatement of period features

    β€’ Uses traditional fibrous techniques for authentic results