Summer Conference
35th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Early Devon Plasterwork
Saturday 8 June 2019 in The Rowe Hall, Mint Methodist Centre, Fore St, Exeter EX4 3AT
Devon is famous for its ornamental plasterwork of the 16th and 17th centuries which is found throughout the county in both private and public buildings. The Abbot family of Frithelstock are particularly well-known both for their plasterwork and because their pattern book has survived until today. In particular they designed and constructed the fine plaster ceilings in Exeter’s Custom House which we shall visit on the day.
Speakers will be Jenny Saunt of the Victoria and Albert Museum who has been researching the Abbots’ pattern book and has reached new conclusions about their work and significance, John Thorp on the Devon tradition and practice of plasterwork, and Mike Baldwin on the plasterwork of the Custom House which he has researched in depth.
The meeting will commence with cakes and coffee at 10.00 a.m. and the first talk will be at 10.45 a.m. Lunch will be taken independently. After lunch we will visit both the Custom House and St Nicholas Priory, which is close to The Mint Centre, to look at the 16th century plaster ceilings within this important historic building. The Mint is in the centre of Exeter at the top of Fore Street. It does not have parking but there are various city centre car parks; the Cathedral car park is handy for the Custom House.
Please contact Peter Child if you would like to attend, either by email (peterchild2@gmail.com) or by completing the form that all members will have recently received by post or email. Members are free; guests £10.