One of the areas of ornamental plaster specialisation that Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd are called in to deal with; is bespoke alteration. Where a plaster cornice has been specified, but there are no special sections available to address situations such as obtuse angles, curved walls, rounded angles, requirements for lighting, or circular features, to name but a few: a solution needs to be found. As some of these obstacles are unforeseen, and where there is a critical path requirement to keep on programme: a bespoke item needs to be designed, manufactured and fitted, run in situ or shaped by hand lay up without delay. Long lead times are often not an option, and this is where Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd come into their own, with surveyors who are proficient in problem solving, and crafts people able to put a plan into action and deliver the solution.
In the image below; a large fibrous plaster cornice had been specified, which was a requirement, because of a four to five metre ceiling height. A contemporary ceiling installation; had lowered the ceiling, to top of the arched window, enough to make the bottom of the plaster cornice encroach onto, and over, the arched head of the window. In the image below; the bottom member of the plaster cornice has been formed into the curved shape of the window head: transforming a problem into an aesthetically pleasing feature.
The problem was encountered and resolved within a couple of days, and so not only was the problem solved; but the programme proceeded without significant delay. This is possible; because of the availability of an in house, bespoke plaster facility in the work shop, and the availability of surveyors and craftspeople, on hand to work with clients and deliver what is required. These works can be carried out using a variety of materials including fibrous plaster, and GRG (glass reinforced gypsum).