Solid Plastering (1984) | Restoring Ornamental Plasterwork | Artisans of Australia

Описание: How do you restore intricate plasterwork on a grand heritage building using traditional techniques?

In this episode of Artisans of Australia, master plasterer Larry Harrigan takes on the challenge of restoring the ornate plasterwork of Collingwood Town Hall in Melbourne. From rebuilding decayed brickwork to running moulds, casting urns and balusters, and recreating decorative details, Larry demonstrates the skill and dedication required to bring a historic building back to its original splendour.

His narration reveals not only the technical process, including mixing sand and cement, pressing and plunging moulds, and reinforcing with wire, but also the philosophy behind the craft: pride, patience and a love for the trade passed down through generations. Larry reflects on seven years of work on the building, the satisfaction of creating something that will endure, and the importance of passing on skills to the next generation.

Produced by Film Australia in 1985 for the Australian Heritage Commission, Artisans of Australia is a six-part series celebrating rare restoration skills that preserve the nation’s architectural heritage. Each episode offers an intimate view of artisans at work, sharing their knowledge and passion for traditional trades.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction: A Life in Plaster
00:45 – Learning the Trade and Love for Craft
01:28 – The Challenge of Collingwood Town Hall
02:02 – Rebuilding Brickwork and Running Moulds
02:44 – Applying Sand and Cement Layers
03:30 – Restoring Large Sections and Profiles
03:46 – Making Handmade Wooden Floats
04:00 – Missing Urns and the Search for Originals
05:30 – Creating Latex and Plaster Moulds
05:53 – Training Apprentices and Passing on Skills
06:25 – Pressed Cement Technique for Urns
07:17 – Reinforcing and Finishing the Urn
07:24 – Curing and Removing from Mould
07:36 – Balusters and Multiple Mould Types
08:00 – Plunging Technique for Deep Moulds
08:37 – Removing Air Bubbles and Setting
09:06 – Thinking Like the Old Craftsmen
09:22 – Restoring Ornamental Decorative Work
09:59 – Years of Work and Seasonal Challenges
11:01 – Passing on Skills to the Next Generation
11:20 – The Satisfaction of Enduring Craftsmanship
12:00 – Reflections on Collingwood Town Hall


From the Film Australia Collection, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Title: Artisans of Australia: Glass Craft
NFSA ID: 398589
Year: 1984
Credits:
Produced by Film Australia for the Australian Heritage Commission
Director: Keith Gow
DOP: Kerry Brown
Producer: Elisabeth Knight


Watch the full series:    • Artisans of Australia: Heritage Restoratio...  

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