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A Prefatory Note. MR MILLAR has asked me to say for him that which he finds somewhat difficult to say for himself, and I think the simplest way of doing this will be to explain in the fewest possible words, how and why we made each other's acquaintance and what came of it. In 1891, I read a lecture on "Decorative Plaster Work" at the Society of Arts, a subject in which I felt much interest, and one on which I had previously written and spoken. To this lecture Mr Millar came, and shortly afterwards sought me, telling me of his craft-work, and of his proposed book on Plastering, upon which he had then been long engaged. For this he asked for such literary help as I could give him. I found in him a craftsman who delighted in his craft, and one who, whilst yet in his 'prentice days, finding that, unlike most other handicrafts, plastering had no text-book or manual, set before himself the ambition of writing one. Following his father's wholesome advice (himself a plasterer, and a descendant of a long line of plasterers), he set himself to "learn his trade first," but whilst doing this, he kept collecting facts, and laying the foundation of the work he has at length achieved. Fortunately he had, what is becoming in these versatile days, the rare advantage of a rigorous apprenticeship, and bettered his instruction by learning more, and working through the United Kingdom, even extending the sphere of his labour to Paris. Keeping his eyes open, he acquired a very extended knowledge of the direct ways of his trade, and taking notes of all the processes he came in contact with, he accumulated an extensive craft knowledge in the byways of it. These he extended by well-directed reading, and better still by observation, and reasoning upon what he learnt; inventing new methods, trying new materials, viewing both sides of the questions of the trade, now as workman and now as master, until he thoroughly fitted himself for the task he never lost sight of, and about 1880 commenced formulating his book. And now troubles came upon him—ill health, misfortune, domestic afflictions, and last of all a fire, which not only bereft him of house and home, but burnt his treasured manuscripts and drawings, and all he had written for his book. But Mr Millar, like a true Scot, without repining at the inevitable, set to work again, re-wrote his manuscript and re-made his drawings. Even yet an envious fate pursued him, for after making arrangements for their publication, and after they had been for many months in the hands of his intended publisher, that gentleman failed, without having made any progress with the production of the book. The present publisher having undertaken to bring his book before the world, Mr Millar has carefully gone through the manuscript again, altering it, adding to it, and bringing it quite up to date. As for me, I have simply revised it for the press, in fulfillment of a promise I made long ago, finding, however, no alteration needed in the technical portion. Only in the first chapter have I made anything beyond verbal alteration, and that as small as possible, leaving Mr Millar to describe in his own language the processes he is so thoroughly familiar with. For the historical resume had accumulated an immense amount of matter, from which I have freely drawn, supplementing it by other information learned from my own studies, and chronologically arranging both; but the value of the work is entirely due to his own labours, and I heartily congratulate him on its final achievement after such arduous struggles. I wish it all the success his perseverance deserves and its thoroughness should command, and I trust that such success may encourage other craftsmen to write their own "shop knowledge" as intelligently and as intelligibly as Mr Millar has here done that of plaster work. To his own craft it is a life's legacy; to the younger members, it will be an invaluable text-book; to the elder ones, a permanent pleasure. To my own profession, and to all others interested in so useful and so decorative a pursuit, it will prove a lasting book of constant reference. GEO. T. ROBINSON. London, 20th February 1897. Author's Preface AS kindly set forth in the "Prefatory Note," by Mr G. T. Robinson, to whom I desire here to record my deep indebtedness and warmest thanks for much valuable help and encouragement, the present volume is the outcome of a long-cherished idea pursued to its fulfilment. So far back as the time of my apprenticeship—when attending the classes of the Edinburgh School of Arts—the need of a practical book on Plastering and Modelling- was greatly felt. It was thought remarkable that although many books, varying in size and in degrees of merit, dealing with other branches of the building trades, were in use, no such book existed on this ancient and honourable craft, and I believe that this is the first complete and practical work published on the subject. In preparing this work my aim and purpose has been to fill this long existing void by furnishing for the use of my brethren of the craft a practical treatise on the manufacture, use, and manipulation of all materials, and a description of the numerous processes employed by plasterers and modellers. Although fortified by a life-long study of the subject, together with a most varied experience, I make no claim to literary ability, and would disarm my critics by reminding them of Pope's incontrovertible poetical axiom: "Whoever thinks a faultless work to see, Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, or e'er can be." That this book may help to spread a knowledge of the means and methods of executing all kinds of work in plaster, and so cause a greater appreciation of it, and a desire tor its wider use, thus bringing about a true revival of the craft, to the benefit both of the employer and craftsman, is my earnest wish. Should this anticipation be realised, my reward will be in the consciousness that I have been the means of forwarding the study of my favourite art and craft. To the above lines (written for the most part more than four years ago), I desire to and. in justice to my publisher, that since he announced the publication of the book in 1895, I have thoroughly revised it, re-casting some parts, enlarging others, and introducing descriptions of new materials and processes. This has occupied more time than at first seemed probable, and has caused the not inconsiderable delay that has occurred in its production, but which, it is hoped, may be more than atoned for by the greater completeness of the work. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in acknowledging the assistance afforded me by Mr l!radk-y Batsford, especially in helping me to add numerous valuable illustrations to those I had already drawn and collected. WILLIAM MILLAR. London, March 1897. NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION. I HAVE every reason to be gratified with the success achieved by my book, as shown by the sale of a large edition in less than two years, and the continued demand, to meet which a Second Edition has become necessary. I have carefully read the book through, and have made such small corrections and alterations as appeared necessary. That it has defects I make no doubt, but it is satisfactory to know that although it has been in use in large numbers during nearly two years, none worthy of mention have been discovered in it either by its users, or its critics. On the other hand, I have received a laree number of letters expressing the greatest satisfaction with it from fellow craftsmen, members of the architectural profession, and others. Finally, I may mention that the Worshipful Company of Plasterers were good enough to send me not only a highly eulogistic letter, but also a handsome testimonial of their appreciation of my work. W. M. March 1899. CONTENTS INTRODUCTORY—"A GLIMPSE OF ITS HISTORY" By G. T. Robinson Chapter I. HISTORICAL PLASTERING IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND Chapter II. MATERIALS Chapter III. MATERIALS—Continued Chapter IV. LIME PLASTERING Chapter V. DECORATIVE CEILINGS Chapter VI. RUNNING DIMINISHED AND CIRCULAR MOULDINGS Chapter VII. EXTERIOR PLASTERING Chapter VIII. MODELLING Chapter IX. MOULDING AND CASTING Chapter X. MODEL AND RUNNING MOULD MAKING Chapter XI. GELATINE MOULDING Chapter XII. FIBROUS PLASTER WORK Chapter XIII. REVERSE MOULDING Chapter XIV. COMPOSITIONS Chapter XV. SCAGLIOLA Chapter XVI. FOREIGN PLASTER WORK Chapter XVII. TERRA COTTA Chapter XVIII. CONCRETE Chapter XIX. CONCRETE—Continued Chapter XX. RUDIMENTARY GEOMETRY AND ARCHITECTURE Chapter XXI. TOOLS AND APPLIANCES APPENDIX INDEX End of Preview.
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