Sawyer’s seminal work was first published in 1951. It offers straightforward practical instruction on the tried and tested methods of plastering as it was practised in the traditional way before the Second World War. It includes very useful drawings of the different features, including the tools, running moulds and geometry for setting out. The chapter describing running mouldings in situ will be of particular interest to the conservation practitioner since this method is now rarely used, but is considered the correct way to repair historic plasterwork. Jeff Orton and Tim Ratcliffe have provided a valuable Introduction to the book which not only gives an interesting background to the author but also comments on the materials or methods which are no longer considered appropriate.
