Workshop: Learn to Lime Render With Esme Walker
Thu 7 Sep 2023 9:30 PM - Sat 9 Sep 2023 5:00 PM
The Brickworks, Bellingdon, HP52UR
Description
Join us for a three-day course, led by Esme Walker and Caitlin McNamara, on the theory, practical and experimental use of building with lime. The workshop welcomes people of all building abilities, beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All materials and equipment are provided.
LOCATION:
The Brickworks, Bellingdon, HP52UR, United Kingdom
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
This workshop will cover the theory, practical and experimental use of applying and finishing lime render. Including the underpinning principles of the lime cycle and safety; building preparation; stippling and scratch coats; second coats; levelling and sponge floating; pargetry and harling techniques; a lecture by Material Cultures; and expert answers to questions about your own lime render project. The workshop will also cover more general lime use including lime plastering and lime wash.
ABOUT THE LIVE BUILD:
The practical elements of the workshop will contribute to a Material Cultures Lab test for pre-fabrication methods and low-embodied carbon technologies. The timber-frame structure that we’ll be coating with lime render was pre-fabricated with Central Saint Martins students and our building skills workshops are an opportunity to continue that learning with experimental methods, materials and mixes. More information about the project here.
ABOUT ESME WALKER:
Esme Walker is a traditional plasterer specialising in lime and decorative plasterwork which takes her to Grade I listed conservation projects and new builds alike. One week she may be on a straw bale roundhouse in Wales wrestling plaster buckets off thirsty ponies and cows, whilst the next is spent in central London on the country’s landmarks. Her first introduction to lime came when she was ripping down a lath ceiling to make way for plasterboard. Lath and a good hairy lime plaster is now her favourite system to restore. She moved into the traditional building sector in her early 20s after leaving an office job and received the bulk of her training on the Prince’s Foundation Building Crafts Program where she travelled up and down the length of the UK undertaking placements with masters of the craft. Since finishing the program several years ago she has set herself up as a full-time lime plasterer, always progressing, passionate and seeking to inspire the same passion in anyone curious to listen. finelimeplaster.co.uk / @esmetwalker
TRANSPORT / ACCOMMODATION:
Material Cultures is rooted in a low-carbon approach so please travel to the workshop by public or shared transport if you can. We will be trying to do the same. There will be a WhatsApp group for participants to coordinate sharing lifts to and from Chesham Underground Station and there are options for camping and B&Bs nearby.
ACCESS:
Some of the workshops will be held on rough terrain and may pose issues for those in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility. Reach out to us if you would like more information and photos in order to assess together whether you would be able to access the site.
PRICE:
Many people are under-represented in construction and architecture and we want to do all we can to help respond to this. Material Cultures is a not-for-profit and this workshop doesn't receive external funding but we have tried to keep the price as low as possible. Price includes tuition, materials, tools and refreshments. We are have a small number of subsidised tickets available for people who don't have access to resources for the cost of the workshop, these are sold on a on a trust basis, first-come first-served. We’re committed to improving this as our education work develops.
£300/person Full Price
£150/person Subsidised Price
£150/person Saturday Day Ticket
BOOKING:
There is a limited number of places on the workshop and booking is essential. If you have any questions, please email lab@materialcultures.org.
Location
The Brickworks, Bellingdon, HP52UR