Stucco Plastering in North London

[Anonymous]

The building opposite me, a former chapel of some obscure Presbytarian sect, then a conservative club, now being converted for residential use, is having its stucco facade replaced. I was rather worried when the original quite ornate classical stucco was recently taken off. I collared the plasterer a week ago to ask what was happening and he replied "we're going to pebbledash it". Long pause as he watched my expression. "Only kidding".

He has just started his top coat of (lime) stucco around the semicircular headed windows, running the mouldings in situ. It is a joy to watch. I have only ever read about this in books. Its too early to see how the finished result will look, but my guess is that it will be fabulous. I will get his details if anyone is interested.

If anyone wants to see him in action, go to Furlong Road in N7 which is just off the Holloway Road, near Higbury & Islington tube.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank heavens it is being done well - but I wonder what was wrong with retaining the original?

Pity - I've just returned from Lunnon back oop north - otherwise I may have come to see for myself.

 

[Nigel Watts]

He was running an exterior cornice today - it was a joy to watch. He's not finished it quite yet. I might see if I can take a few snaps of the plasterer in action.