Pargetting, Sculpture & Sgraffito: Artistry in Lime & Clay Plaster
Wick Farm, Somerset | 15th–19th September 2025​
5 Days of Hands-On Learning in the Beautiful Somerset Countryside
Join me for a five-day immersive workshop at Wick Farm, Somerset, where we will explore the artistry of pargetting, relief sculpture, and sgraffito using lime and clay plasters. This is an opportunity to learn traditional decorative plasterwork techniques in a peaceful rural setting, surrounded by nature and a supportive creative community.
Through a mix of practical sessions, demonstrations, and presentations, you’ll gain hands-on experience with sculptural plaster while deepening your understanding of materials, form, and craftsmanship.
What You’ll Learn
Lime & clay plaster mixes – Learn the properties of different materials and how to choose the right mix for different surfaces and applications.
- Pargetting & relief sculpture – Experiment with raised decorative patterns in lime plaster, inspired by historical techniques and your own designs.
- Sgraffito – Explore the technique of layering and carving through coloured plasters to create striking 3D effects.
- Design transfer techniques – Learn how to scale and mark out a design using grids, pricking through, and projectors.
- Observational drawing & sculpting – Develop your eye-hand coordination through drawing and working from reference.
- Natural pigment processing – Discover how to prepare and use natural pigments in plasterwork.
- Wet casting lime – Learn how to mould & cast repeat lime reliefs, such as leaves, and integrate them into sculptural plasterwork.
What You’ll Do
This workshop combines solo creative projects with a collaborative plasterwork piece on-site. You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Work on a live pargetting and relief sculpture project in lime
- Create your own smaller works on boards to take home
- Practice drawing and sculpting techniques to improve your observation and craftsmanship
- Experiment with colour through natural pigment processing and sgraffito techniques
- Learn how to wet cast lime leaves and apply them to a relief surface
- Take part in informal discussions and presentations on historical and contemporary decorative plasterwork
There will also be space for reflection, discussion, and connecting with the landscape and materials.
What to Expect
Five days of immersive, hands-on learning
- A mix of theory, demonstrations, and practical making
- Nutritious daily lunch provided
- The option to stay on-site – camp or book a room in the cottage (twin rooms or single occupancy available at extra cost)
Sample Schedule
Here is an example to give a flavour of the schedule - exact timings may change.
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- 9.30AM - 12:30 PM | Theory & Skill Lab
- 12:30 - 2 PM | Lunch & Rest
- 2:00 - 5:30 PM | Practical Project Work
- 6:00 - 7:30 PM | Free time/ dinner (to organise yourself)
- 8:00 PM | (example) Presentation: Plastering in Japan / Fireside hangout
About the facilitator
A little about who will be guiding you through this experience...
About the location
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Wick Farm (Awakenings at Wick) is an artist residency set in the rolling hills of Somerset, a peaceful setting surrounded by farmland and nature. It’s the perfect place to slow down, connect with your materials, and focus on the creative process.
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Pricing
Earlybird discount available until the 30th April
