Plasterer Ben is praised for his hard work
ATrades people don’t often get recognised for their knowledge and efforts so this award means a lot to me. Ben Kerslake
PLASTERER has been awarded a top honour for his work over the last 25 years. Ben Kerslake has been granted the prestigious title of Master Plasterer by the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.
The title is awarded to just a handful of plasterers each year after they are assessed in the skill and craft of plastering - and it is the highest accolade that can be achieved by any tradesperson.
A certificate was presented to Mr Kerslake by the Lord Mayor of London at a ceremony in the capital.
Mr Kerslake is a trained lime plasterer and the co-founder of Mitcheldean-based Carringtonlime - a lime plastering training company that promotes the use of traditional building methods and materials using a modern approach.
He has worked on numerous projects during his career including a Grand Designs Eco House of the Year and the first-ever load-bearing straw bale house.
He now focuses his time on passing on his skills to aspiring plasterers and advising those restoring traditional properties.
“I’m so lucky to have a job that I love,” he said. “I get to work on beautiful properties with interesting histories and often in stunning locations.
“Trades people don’t often get recognised for their knowledge and efforts so this award means a lot to me.
“It goes someway to making the sore shoulders worthwhile!”
The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers was originally formed as a trade guild of the City of London to regulate the quality of plastering in the capital and to safeguard the welfare and interests of plasterers.
It now works in the charitable sector raising funds through its members to support causes linked with the city and plastering.
The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers received its first Royal Charter in 1501.