Ref: BCW37056
Learn the basic skills in the conservation and replication of traditional internal and external plaster based on a variety of lime mortar examples. Rendered and plastered masonry, timber-framed and earthen buildings and structures form a very important part of our heritage. Through lectures, demonstration and personal experience, you will learn about the properties of a lime mortar and how it is made, applied and repaired. You will be learning using a combination of remote online and onsite workshop learning. This is called a blended learning approach. 2.5 Day teaching agenda with 3 online sessions
You will be given access to the online elements of the course from Friday 17 April 2026 and will have the opportunity to meet the tutors and other students in 1 remote Zoom session from 6- 7 pm on Tuesday 21 April. There are about 10 hours work in total in the online segments; these must be completed prior to attending the practical workshop and classroom sessions from 18 to 20 May 2026.
Please remember to bring work clothes/overalls and shoes/boots for practical sessions. An umbrella may be useful on the short walk to the Auditorium and Ruinette.
Monday
5.30pm-6.30pm: Meet students in the afternoon to run through: H&S - sign enrolment forms and site/ workshop orientation
7pm-7.45pm: Dinner
8pm-9pm: Evening session Student case study presentations
Tuesday
9am-10am: Site visit of West Dean Church include return coffee break
10am-12pm: Introduction to plasters and renders
12pm-12.45pm:Introduction to material properties
12.45pm-2pm: Lunch
2pm-3.30pm: Rubble and earth wall substrate preparation and first coat
3.30pm-4pm: Coffee Break
4pm-5.30pm: Lath substrate, first coat and coring out running mold
7pm-7.45pm: Dinner
8pm-9pm: Evening session Student case study presentations
Wednesday
9am-10am: Lime Analysis, Method Statements and Specifications
10am-11.00am: Coffee Break
11am-12.45pm: Conservation repair techniques
12.45pm-2.00pm: Lunch
2pm-3pm: Rubble wall plasters discussion and finish coat
3pm-3.30pm: Coffee Break
3.30pm-4.30pm: Lath finish coat
4.45pm: Issue certificates and finish
Is it possible to book only the online or onsite part of the course?
The course is only available as a joint online and onsite course and both elements must be completed.
Can I book accommodation for the onsite part of the course?
Yes, to book accommodation or find out about accommodation prices please call 01243 818300 (option 2) or email [email protected].
What technologies are used to deliver the online part of the course?
We use Moodle, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), for all your course materials. This is a system for delivering learning materials via the Internet. It offers you flexible access to all the course content, which is available to you for the duration of the course.
Do the course videos have subtitles for hearing impaired people?
Yes, our course videos have the option to display closed captions in English.
How do I access the online course?
You will receive your login details by email before the course start date.
What computer set-up will I need for the online element of the course?
You can watch our courses on all computers and devices – Mac, PC, Mobile and Tablet – with an Internet connection and a modern internet browser (see "What Web Browser do you recommend" below). Some of the course resources are presented as PDF files, which will require a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader.
What web browser do you recommend?
Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser, for example, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It is mobile responsive so you can also log in through a mobile browser. (You cannot access West Dean’s Moodle through any Moodle app).
If you join a Teams meeting through a browser on your computer (rather than the Teams app) you will need to use Edge or Chrome.
If you join a Teams meeting on your phone, you will need to use the free Microsoft Teams app.
Please make sure to keep your browser/app updated to the latest version.
What do I do if I experience technical issues?
If you have checked the technical requirements above and are using a suitable browser but the problem persists, email [email protected] with the details of your problem (including a screenshot if useful) for advice.
I’ve lost my login details, what do I do?
If you have deleted your login information please contact [email protected].
Tutor for Plasters & Renders courses
Tobias has worked as a senior consultant, practitioner, and lecturer in Historic Earthen Architecture Conservation for more than 20 years. Tobias is also a course author, leader and lecturer at West Dean on the Building Conservation Masterclass programme.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
