From a British Traditional Stonemason to an Italian Venetian Lime Plasterer

A Journey of Craftsmanship: From Stonemasonry to Venetian Lime Plastering

Craftsmanship is a journey that connects the past with the present, where skills are handed down through generations, and the work of the hands becomes a reflection of the heart. It is a world where tradition and artistry merge, turning raw materials into lasting beauty. My own path began in the picturesque landscapes of Hampshire in Great Britain, where I started as a traditional stonemason, before finding a new calling in the ancient art of Venetian lime plastering.

The Foundation: A Stonemason’s Beginnings

My journey as a craftsman began in the heart of England, where stone structures are woven into the very fabric of the land. From an early age, I was captivated by the ancient buildings scattered across the countryside—castles, cathedrals, stately homes and bridges—each a testament to the skill of the stonemasons who had gone before me. As I delved deeper into the craft, I realized that stonemasonry wasn’t just about shaping stone; it was about understanding the materials I worked with—sandstone, limestone, granite—and the aggregates that bound them together.

One memorable project in 1996 involved restoring a house over 1,000 years old. The weathered stone walls had withstood centuries of change, and my task was to repair and restore the crumbling structure delicately with lime materials and finish the covering with a compressed lime plaster skin. I learned that lime plaster is a remarkable material: breathable, natural, and intimately connected to the environment. As I worked, it felt as though I were engaging in a silent dialogue with history, bridging the gap between the past and present with each stroke of my trowel.

In those early years, I honed my craft by learning how to select the right aggregates for different projects. The subtle differences in sand and gravel could affect not only the structure but the aesthetic of the building itself. These decisions—whether fine sand for delicate plastering or coarser gravel for foundations—shaped the durability and beauty of the work.

But even as I became immersed in stone, I felt a pull toward exploring other materials, seeking new ways to create beauty that was just as enduring but perhaps more refined.

Discovering Venetian Lime Plastering

My journey into Venetian lime plastering began with a desire to expand my craft, leading me from Northern Italy to Devon, UK, Seattle, US, and Toronto, CA.

In Italy, a country renowned for its plastering artistry, I encountered a technique unlike anything I had ever seen. Venetian lime plaster, with its polished, gleaming finish, was a world apart from the stonework I had grown up with. Originating in the Renaissance, this technique was used to adorn Venice’s grand palaces, creating marble-like surfaces that reflected the city’s opulence.

The material felt both ancient and timeless. Venetian plasterers used fine aggregates and applied multiple layers of lime plaster, polishing and burnishing each to perfection until the surface gleamed like marble. I was captivated by this craft and quickly sought to learn from Italy's finest plasterers.

Transitioning from stonemasonry to plastering was a challenge. Stonemasonry is about shaping solid materials, while Venetian plastering is focused on folding lime plaster which reflects light, and creates depth to its surfaces. Yet both crafts share a tactile quality, requiring a keen eye for detail and a steady hand. Whether carving stone or applying plaster, the process demands precision.

As I immersed myself in this new art, I discovered an unexpected connection between the two crafts. Just as a stonemason feels the texture of stone, a Venetian plasterer must understand the consistency of the plaster mix. The rhythm of applying layer after layer, smoothing and polishing each coat to perfection, felt familiar—like chiseling stone—but here, the goal was to create a surface that shone with depth and life.

Merging Two Traditions

Over the years, as my training progressed, I came to appreciate the cultural exchange between stonemasonry and Venetian plastering. Both crafts are rich in tradition, passed down through generations, yet they offer distinct approaches: stonemasonry focuses on permanence and structure, while Venetian plastering highlights light, reflection, and beauty.

My experience as a stonemason proved invaluable in this new craft. My understanding of aggregates—ranging from coarse gravel to fine sand—helped me grasp the use of marble dust and crushed limestone in Venetian plaster. While the shift from solid stone to delicate plaster was significant, the core principles of craftsmanship remained the same.

Venetian plastering also deepened my appreciation for the artistry of creating depth and texture. Each layer of plaster required precision, polished to reveal the characteristic veining and shine that made the surface unique. The process felt like sculpting, but in a more subtle, fluid way. The final result was a surface that seemed to shift with the light, adding movement and life to any space.

Blending Stone and Plaster: A Unique Harmony

The transition from British stonemasonry to Venetian plastering has been more than just a career shift—it’s a fusion of two distinct traditions. The rugged beauty of stone and the luminous elegance of Venetian plaster complement each other, enriching my work. Whether restoring a centuries-old manor or designing a modern space, I often combine the strength of stone with the delicate artistry of Venetian plaster, creating walls that embody both solidity and light. This blend of British stone and Italian plaster results in something truly unique, a union of history, technique, and artistry where the materials used are as timeless as the hands that shape them.

Crafting a Legacy

My journey from stonemason to Venetian lime plasterer has been one of transformation and growth, deepening my appreciation for the materials I work with and the histories they carry. Whether chiseling stone or smoothing plaster, the essence of craftsmanship lies in the desire to create something lasting, something that will stand the test of time.

For me, the joy of craftsmanship lies not only in the final product but in the journey itself—the discovery, the learning, and the connection to something greater. Working with both stone and plaster, I feel part of a continuum, a thread that links the past to the present.

As I continue my craft, I remain inspired by the ancient techniques that have shaped the world I work in. With each new project, I’m reminded that craftsmanship is not just about building—it’s about creating beauty, preserving heritage, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.