🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the latest episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast, hosted by Vincent Reed. In this episode, Vincent interviews Philip Gaches, a master plasterer renowned for his expertise in traditional plasterwork and conservation.

Philip shares his journey, from joining his family's business to leading Geishies Traditional Plasterers since 1987. Learn about his work on iconic UK landmarks like Royal Palaces and the Houses of Parliament, as well as his international projects in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Transylvania.

Through engaging anecdotes, Philip explains the traditional plastering techniques, the importance of conservation, and the evolution of the trade. He also discusses his efforts to train the next generation of plasterers and the future of traditional plastering.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about heritage building restoration.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to the Heritage Buildings Podcast

01:25 Philip Geishies' Early Life and Apprenticeship

02:35 Joining the Family Business

05:27 Challenges and Learning in the Early Years

05:49 Daily Routine and Work Ethic

07:44 Generational Differences in Work Culture

14:54 Transition to Traditional Plaster Work

26:01 Understanding Traditional Plaster Work

28:22 Historical Techniques and Materials

34:55 The Evolution of Plastering Methods

52:42 Discovering Historical Artifacts

54:14 Hidden Treasures in Architecture

57:16 Challenges of Modern Restoration

01:01:51 Traditional Techniques and Materials

01:14:17 International Restoration Projects

01:25:40 Future of Traditional Trades

01:41:31 Resources and Recommendations

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with Philip Gaches using the links below:

Website: www.gachesplastering.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-gaches-291b4a89/

Instagram:

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify. Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this fascinating episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast, host Vincent Reed invites his mentor and friend, Mark Cooper, a traditionally trained conservator and restorer of antique furniture. The episode opens with Vincent recalling his serendipitous start in the antique business as an apprentice in Brighton's Michael Norman Antiques, setting the stage for the deep dive into Mark's storied career.

Mark shares memorable anecdotes from their early days in the trade, discusses the nuances of restoring period furniture, and explains the myriad skills needed for a successful career in this fading craft. He highlights the intricacies of his work, whether it's replicating a Chippendale chair or stabilising a precious walnut bureau. The conversation also touches upon broader issues facing the industry, such as the lack of apprentice opportunities and the importance of maintaining traditional methods in the face of modern challenges.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights into the world of antique furniture restoration, blending personal stories with professional expertise, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in heritage crafts.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

01:52 Introducing Mark Cooper

03:22 Mark Cooper's Early Career

09:25 The Art of Antique Furniture Restoration

12:16 Challenges in Modern Restoration

17:14 Restoration Techniques and Philosophy

20:26 Hypothetical Restoration Project

49:56 Making a Chippendale Chair

54:52 The Art of Carving and Mahogany Quality

57:18 Challenges and Mistakes in Furniture Making

58:33 The Process of Carving and Craftsmanship

01:02:08 The Decline of Traditional Workshops

01:05:13 Memories of Ship Street Workshop

01:17:10 The Journey to America and Sotheby's

01:31:49 Reflections on Craftsmanship and the Future

01:38:20 The Importance of Continuous Learning

01:44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with Mark Cooper using the links below:

Website: www.cooperandcompanyantiques.com

Instagram:

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify. Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reid sits down with Nigel Copsey, a seasoned stonemason and accredited conservator restorer specialising in historic buildings.

Nigel delves into his journey from a dry stone waller to a renowned advocate for hot mix lime and traditional lime mortars. The discussion covers the importance of using like-for-like materials in conservation, the differences between lime and cement mortars, and the damaging effects of incorrect mortar use on historic buildings.

Nigel shares his extensive knowledge and experience, detailing the evolution of lime mortar use and the pressing need for sustainable building practices.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on preserving our architectural heritage with the right materials and techniques.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to the Heritage Buildings Podcast

00:51 Nigel Copsey's Journey into Conservation

06:37 The Significance of Lime in Building Conservation

09:44 Differences Between Lime and Cement Mortars

19:01 Historical Use and Misuse of Mortars

36:54 Impact of Incorrect Mortar Use on Buildings

50:47 Understanding Salt Damage in Stone

52:48 Case Study: Church Restoration in Redditch

53:23 The Importance of Capillarity in Lime Mortars

56:56 Historical Insights on Lime Mortar Usage

59:30 Modern Misconceptions and Correct Practices

01:17:01 The Future of Lime in Construction

01:20:15 Global Adoption and Training in Lime Techniques

01:25:29 Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Lime

01:33:25 Conclusion and Further Resources

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with Nigel Copsey using the links below:

Website: www.hotmixedmortars.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-copsey-59745045/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nigel.copsey.7

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Click here to join the conversation - https://heritagebuildings.forum

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!

#Mortar #conservation #stonemason