George Bankart first wrote The Art of the Plasterer in 1908, it was then re-issued, with amendments, a few years later. Now available from Donhead in this re-printed facsimile edition, this impressive, well illustrated volume offers an artistic interpretation of the way plaster was used in response to stylistic changes.

Bankart was an architect inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement who cared passionately about the craft of plastering and sought to complement Millar’s earlier craftsmen’s book by producing a volume which traced the history and art of plastering throughout the United Kingdom. It explores in detail how plaster materials and methods were developed and used, giving a fascinating insight into some of the unusual substances added to plaster. For instance, he tells us that ancient stuccos sometimes contained fig juice, curdled milk, blood or beer to make them harder.

The book also contains an account of wattle and dab as well as parge-work, using practical illustrated examples to give an excellent description and record of the subject.

With over 400 illustrations, comprising black and white photographs and drawings of ceilings and the profiles of mouldings, this volume will be of value to craftsmen engaged in plasterwork, conservation professionals and all architects and architectural historians with an interest in this field.

Presented in a straightforward and highly readable style, this new series of books offers an in-depth guide to all aspects of brickwork and bricklaying practice. Lynch has put together these comprehensive and instructive volumes, linking past knowledge and practices with modern skills and materials, so that both can be fully examined and understood. 1994, hardback.

The author condenses a lifetime of practical experience into this book that will provide a first point of reference whenever problems with materials occur on site. The subjects covered are problems encountered with cements, aggregates, admixtures, metallic and non-metallic reinforcement spacers. This book will be valuable for all professionals and tradespeople working with concrete, not only for novices, but also for experienced staff who may be encountering a problem for the first time. 1997, 136pp.

This book provides the results of a major international study which examines the causes of decay in brick structures in addition to the treatment and methods of conserving brickwork and historic mortars. 1998, 450pp., hardback.

Lime is one of the most important of the traditional materials used in the repair and maintenance of historic buildings and monuments.  It is essential to the production of traditional mortars, external renders, plasters, lime washes, and other finishes.  In response to demand, manufacturers and suppliers have made a wide range of lime-based products and related materials and services available.

Provides information on the types of lime and lime products available in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.  The Directory lists producers and suppliers of lime-based products, with details of their product ranges and current prices.  It also includes information on the classification and use of building limes, a technical glossary and a list of relevant bibliographic references, and standards.  1997, 72pp, (paperback).

The English Heritage Library of Mortar Sands and Aggregates was set up in 1993, to enable historic mortars in English Heritage sites to be matched effectively with sands that are currently available. This Directory includes details of the sands and aggregates in the form of data sheets that have been categorized by county, color and by supplier in an easily accessible form. For each entry, the data sheet features the region and quarry of origin, as well as the color, grading and mineralogy of the aggregate.  The color of each sample is determined using the Munsell color system.  Offers easy color matching using the Munsell color coding system.  Features a case study of research, analysis and aggregate selection at Stowe.  Includes a mortar color wall chart showing the variety of colors and textures that can be achieved.  April 2000 128 pages Paperback ISBN 1 873394 22 5

This practical handbook, written by an experienced craftsman and lecturer in the subject, provides a detailed study of gauged brickwork. By combining simple diagrams and photographs with an analysis of the work, the author describes each stage in the process, from rubbing, cutting and shaping the bricks to laying and carving them. He also emphasizes the importance of this skill and the damage that can be done to buildings by well-meaning but ignorant attempts to repair or re-point rubbed and gauged brickwork. 1990, 115pp., hardcover.

Written in 1910, this was the first major reference work to feature information on the considerable range of building stones being used in the UK and which were still being quarried at that time.

This important and useful publication, offers very detailed information on the appearance and qualities of the various types of stone being used at that time, including granite, sandstones, limestones and other lesser known building stones, specific to certain geographical areas. It also includes a good introduction to the effects of stone decay, in particular the problems of pollution, frost and organic growth in the breakdown of stone. The chapter on testing of stone was very much ahead of its time, since nearly a century later Britain is only now starting to obtain its first standard tests for building stone. 2001, 496 pp, hardback.

An outline of manufacturing techniques available for this well-proven but underutilized binding material, with a guide to its uses, properties and limitations. 1989, 48pp., paper.

Containing many useful tables and charts to assist the practitioner, along with colour illustrations showing lime mortar in use, it also offers practical guidance on: the functions and properties of hydraulic lime; the constituent materials; mixing, reworking, protection and aftercare; mortar selection for durability; and health and safety issues

This best practice guide to using hydraulic lime mortar is the result of a research project by the UK Limes team which studied the performance application and classification of hydraulic limes for the construction industry. It will prove invaluable for all building practitioners, contractors and tradesmen specifying or handling hydraulic lime on site.

The UK Limes research team was formed in 1998 with the aim of studying the performance of hydraulic limes. The team consists of: Mr M Farey, Hydraulic Lias Limes; Professor G Allen, Bristol University; Dr J Allen, Ellis & Moore; Dr N Elton, Bristol University (previously with Imery’s Minerals Ltd); Mr S D Holmes, Rodney Melville & Partners, Architects; Mr P Livesey, Castle Cement Ltd; Dr M Radonjic, Bristol University.

Developing countries use a greater mixture of old and new technologies. This book is a great reference for helping to understand how available resources, both natural and societal, determine product type and availability. An extremely useful reference in helping to determine the types and characteristics of locally made historic materials that were once available in currently developed countries. 1995, 167pp., paper.

This book, first published in 1927, provides a classification of lime and a "state-of-the-art" review of its various uses in building construction and repair. This book offers helpful guidelines for the conservation practitioner. 1998, 96pp., paper.

First published in 1871 at a time when materials for engineering and building were constantly being improved and replaced. It offers, therefore, an interesting and useful coverage not only of traditional techniques and materials such as stone, brick and pisé, but also examines the developments in the use of cement for wall covering, and cement blocks to be used as artificial stone.

Deals with materials, practical construction techniques, masonry and brickwork, principles of design, drawing, plastering and wall decoration, as well as many other aspects of construction. The 160 plates which accompany the text include a large number of exquisite drawings of different parts of buildings, including: window, door and wall details in various styles; arches; staircases; consoles and brackets in stone and terracotta; hollow and ornamental brickwork and designs for shop fronts. 2001, 640pp, hardback.

Get the know-how to develop first-rate masonry solutions for different types of structures. Provides technical information to work with brick, block, stone, terra cotta, concrete and glass block. This excellent guide will help you to optimize mortar and grout mixtures and their uses, understand masonry movement, avoid cracking and moisture problems, accurately specify materials, test for quality control, and comply with codes. Provides latest requirements of the Uniform Building Code and ACI 530 Masonry Code. 2003, 5th Edition, 639pp., hardcover.

Originally published in the late 1920s, this book starts at a basic level then progresses to more complex work and provides copious drawings and diagrams to illustrate the material. It presents detailed information on the characteristics of different plaster and their uses, the varieties of lathing available and how to apply and finish flat lime plaster. It also explains how to set up and run different types of mouldings, the casting of mouldings and uses of fibrous plaster.

Whereas the book Plastering, Plain & Decorative assumes a certain amount of existing experience and understanding, this book starts at a level which is more akin to the understanding of the modern reader. This is an excellent reference book for anyone wanting to rediscover and learn about traditional plastering. Original two volumes are combined into one book and provide an invaluable source of information, not only for plasterers but also for designers and specifiers who want to understand plastering methods and materials better. 2000, 512 pp, hardback.

Vicat's investigations into the nature and use of limes first appeared in this English language edition in 1837. It is of immense interest and importance as it critically reviews the practices of time sifting the good ones from the bad by careful experiment. 1997, 352pp., hardback.

This book provides a fascinating insight into the developments using lime during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Pasley has summarized and explained the work and experiments of the most important practitioners of the period. 1997, 160pp., hardback.

The first edition of this important book was originally published in 1897, but it is still viewed by most traditional plasterers as the plastering 'bible'. This impressive volume presents a comprehensive coverage of traditional plasterwork, including everything from plain lime plastering through to hand modeling and cast plasterwork. Written by William Millar, who had practical first hand experience of using these methods, the book provides a fascinating and unique record of a craftsman's intimate knowledge of these traditional materials and techniques.

This is the only detailed work currently available on this subject, it is a vital record of craft skills being practiced 100 years ago. Includes fully-illustrated examples of decorative ceilings and other features, as well as in depth instructions for making casts and moulds. Clothbound, cased, large format. 1998, 768 pp.

First published in 1826 as a course of architecture for students at the Royal Engineer's School in Chatham. Provides interesting and useful information on how buildings were being constructed during this period, and the type of limes and cements that were used. In addition to information on mortars and cements, the book also examines in detail the bonds in brickwork and provides full coverage of different types of arches and how they are formed. Also explains specific aspects of the construction of hollow or double walls; copings; chimneys, chimney breasts; gateways; brick ornamentation, etc. 2001, 288pp, hardback.

This book covers: The basic methods of working stone; How to make specialized tools; The procedures for setting-out for repairs explained; The nature and problems of stone plus a guide to selection. Practical Stone Masonry contains essential advice for working masons and apprentices, and all those engaged in planning and supervising such works. 1996, 320 pp., hardback.

Proceedings of SWAPNET '95 Stone Weathering and Atmospheric Pollution Network Conference held in Belfast. This volume offers a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of decay processes and shows the range of current work, suggesting alternative approaches to problem solving. Indispensable reading for anyone concerned with stone decay. 1996, 288pp., hardback.

Contains essays on the following: Damage occurring during construction; Investigation and diagnosis; Cement and aggregates; Polymers for concrete repair;  Repairs to cracked concrete; Spalled concrete: hand-applied repairs; Sprayed concrete; Large-volume repairs; Leak sealing; Surface coatings; Underwater repairs; Repair of concrete floors. 1992, 224pp.

A practical guide to the selection, design and operation of lime-burning plant for small-scale operations. Selections on fuels and raw materials, as well as on the physical and chemical background, and guidance on the methods appropriate to a small scale. 1985, 144pp., paper.

Poor durability of concrete is a major cause of problems in modern buildings and civil engineering structures in all countries.  This book explains the fundamentals of the corrosion of steel in concrete.  It is comprehensive and provides a basis for the practicing engineer to design concrete structures which avoid the problem using modern concepts and specifications.  A limited discussion of corrosion measurement and repairs is also provided.  1998, hardcover.

This useful general survey describes the varieties and uses of stone as a building material- whether cut of field-stone- and how to extract, work and use it. A new chapter on stone and the environment emphasizes the importance of planning, waste recycling, and quarry rehabilitation as part of the extraction process. There is a new Appendix outlining procedures for testing stone's flexural and compressive strength and discussing the importance of slip resistance. 1996, 2nd Edition, 172pp., paper.

This collection of papers brings together contributions from a wide range of specialisms and offers new perspectives on the important issues surrounding this subject. It examines the problems and reasons for building soiling, also with the advantages and disadvantages of chemical and wet/dry abrasive cleaning methods. The results of recent laboratory experiments are documented and the book provides valuable case study material featuring examples of the cleaning of architectural stonework. This book will be an invaluable work of reference for all building practitioners and academics who are interested, and actively involved in conserving stone buildings and monuments. 1992, 320pp, hardback.

Offers valuable insights into the nature of decay processes and the factors that control them. Presents several studies on the impact of pollution on stonework in urban environments. Includes important methodological contributions that cover a number of key issues: mapping of façades to explain rates of decay associated with conservation actions; laboratory simulation of corrosion in polluted atmospheres; quantification of color change through a study of the artificial aging of building stone. The effectiveness of stone treatments within the laboratory is also considered in detail. 2004, 320 pp.

The magnificent roof bosses of Norwich Cathedral are one of the great hidden glories of medieval art. There are more than one thousand of these delightfully carved and painted keystones in the high stone vaulting, dating from 1300 to 1515 and measuring between twelve and thirty inches wide. This book reproduces the most striking and interesting examples, selected from hundreds of exquisite color photographs. 194pp.

This important study, first published in 1932, provides a general account of the factors which cause decay of building stones and a summary of the best methods to reduce the incidence of decay. Discusses weathering associated with natural defects inherent in stone. Examines issues of weathering caused by bad workmanship or errors in the selection of material. Decay through chemical and natural physical phenomena are discussed in detail. The final sections offer useful advice on how to prevent long term decay through appropriate repair, replacement and cleaning of stone. 2004, 208 pp.