Plaster Ceiling Roses and Centres
A plaster ceiling centre or rose can be made up of one cast, or can be formed from a number of different components with varying degrees of complexity. The ceiling rose can be fixed in the centre of the ceiling, or can be centred from a focal point in the room to which it is fixed. Advice for clients from Whitechapel Art Plaster Co surveyors is available to give guidance in terms of period, design, position and complexity, but ultimately the final choice will be governed by client research and preference.
When refurbishment of a period building interior is carried out, defective or lost plaster work should be replaced with appropriate and compatible materials with the application of suitable final finishes.
Above is an image of the finished room with Plaster Ceiling Centre and Cornice by Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd. A full re-plastering scheme was specified and completed by Whitechapel Art Plaster. Surveyors and craftsmen used traditional lime plaster to give the client full assurance of authenticity and compatibility. Other features in the room include the bespoke fibrous plaster angles on the chimney breast and the handmade bespoke radiator cover/ cupboards made by Whitechapel Art Plaster joiners. These have grills, top and bottom, to allow adequate ambient air circulation, while concealing efficient, high performance radiators. All of these finishing touches enhance the effect of the ceiling centre, which was selected as the starting point of the decorative plasterwork in the room. The final painted finishes are in a contemporary style, while at the same time retaining the period character and feel of the property, so achieving the best of both worlds in terms of conservation and final finish.
Clay leaf model created in house Multi component ornamental plaster ceiling rose
The plaster ceiling centre shown above is unique to Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd. Created to be in keeping with an original feature, the centre was planned and produced using photographs of the original which had been lost. Whitechapel Art Plasterers have modelled all the repeat components, made moulds from the models, and produced casts from the moulds to make up the required elements of this large impressive ornamental plaster ceiling centre.
Above, one of our Artist Plasterers, in house, clay modelling a large single leaf component of the unique bespoke centre.
This ornamental plaster ceiling centre, made by White Chapel Art Plaster Co Ltd, is the subject of a television programme “Original Features”, the focus of the programme being on the decorative plasterwork inside a period property situated in the Peak District national park, near the Derbyshire and Cheshire border. When the ceiling centre has been installed, and decoration completed, the cameras will be invited back to show how restoration work inside the building has progressed. A new plaster cornice and plaster ceiling Alison rail will also be installed to complete the project.
In the images above, a ring is formed around the ceiling centre (left) with moulding members made to match those on the projection of the plaster cornice fixed in the wall to ceiling intersection. In the right hand image, the ceiling rose has a circular honeysuckle band which works well with adjacent ornamental plasterwork, making the room aesthetically pleasing with contrast between the different types of decorative finish.
In addition to ceiling centres, large central features can be created using domes or lanterns to augment the effect of decorative plaster work and design. Panel moulds, plaster relief, coffered sections, lighting troughs, arches and corbels can all be used by design teams to produce some interesting and very effective, traditional and contemporary delineation within buildings.
Frames and casts for large decorative and structural (in the case of lanterns) items, are made in the company work shop and brought to site for fixing. The perimeters of the domes or lanterns are finished with ornamental plasterwork as required by designer or client.
The image above shows a large plaster dome in the ceiling at Victoria Station Manchester where Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd were employed to restore the Edwardian fibrous ornamental plasterwork to existing areas of the station undergoing refurbishment.
Above, Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd single cast stock Plaster Ceiling Roses available to order
The images above are of a small ornamental leaf plaster ceiling centre with a ribbed four cross ribbon circumference. This was made in a flexible mould to attain the shape required, to allow it to fit in the curved area of the upper part of the large plaster oval dome shown on the right above. This dome was made to compliment a large chandelier installation, specified by designers to hang over a geometric stone staircase and curved wall.
Above, the finished, large plaster oval dome situated over a curving staircase, with a fibrous plaster serpentine curve running below the handrail and spindles of the staircase landing. On the curved wall adjacent to the staircase is a large fibrous plaster cornice with plain members following the shape of the wall.
Above is an image of the staircase leading to the landing with the oval plaster ceiling dome.
This blog contains a number of images of stock ceiling centres or roses from standard moulds available at Whitechapel Art Plaster Co Ltd. There are many more in the company store rooms which will be catalogued on the company web site when it undergoes a reconstruction later this year. Producing original bespoke items from scratch is a service which is also available where time and budget permit. Provide designs or images, and with the knowledge and skills of Whitechapel Art Plaster Co in house surveyors, artists, and craftsmen, a unique work of art plaster will be created
Above is an image of the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester.Whitechapel Art Plaster repaired high level fibrous plaster work after water damage from a leaking roof.
In summary, the possibilities for plaster ceilings are limitless. From a single rose, to large ornamental domes with associated fibrous, or run in situ plasterwork. Simplicity or complexity as required by client or designer. If you would like to discuss your plastering requirements please give the office a call on 0161 339 1440
