Workshop: Learn to Clay Plaster With Ffion Blench
Fri 22 Sep 2023 9:30 AM - Sun 24 Sep 2023 5:00 PM
The Brickworks, Bellingdon, HP52UR
Description
Join us for a three-day course, led by Ffion Blench and Caitlin McNamara, on the theory, practical and experimental use of plastering with clay. 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 mixing, applying and finishing clay plaster. Including the underpinning principles of working with clay; building preparation; mixing; techniques to apply the plaster; levelling, floating and decorative finishes; a lecture by Material Cultures; and expert answers to questions about your own clay plaster project.
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 clay plaster 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 FFION BLENCH:
Working as a plain and decorative plasterer for over twenty years’ Ffion brings a wealth of knowledge and practical on-site experience in the use of clay, gypsum and lime plasters. After establishing her own plastering business in 2016 Ffion has continued to develop her passion for exploring the aesthetic and functional possibilities of traditional plastering materials. She has undertaken restoration works for clients such as The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish government as well as completing artistic commissions for KPMG, Johnnie Walker and Vacheron Constantine. www.plaster-design.com / @chalkplaster
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 working to secure the necessary funding to continue to offer subsidised tickets for people who don't have access to resources for the cost of the workshop. Subsidised tickets will be announced on Material Cultures' socials and operate on a trust basis, first-come first-served. We’re committed to improving this as our education work develops.
£300/person Full Price
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