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The Story Behind Handmade British Coving
When you admire the crisp lines and elegant detail of handmade plaster coving, you’re not just looking at a decorative feature—you’re seeing the result of centuries of British craftsmanship, natural materials, and environmentally conscious production. At the heart of it all lies one key ingredient: gypsum plaster. What Is Gypsum Plaster? Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral—calcium sulphate dihydrate—commonly found in sedimentary rock layers. When processed and heated, it becomes a fine, versatile powder known as gypsum plaster. This material has been used in interior design and construction for thousands of years—from ancient Egyptian tombs to grand British period homes. But where does the gypsum used in handmade British coving come from today? Sourced from British Soil The gypsum plaster used in our coving and ceiling roses is sourced right here in the UK, primarily from quarries in the East Midlands. British Gypsum, the country's leading supplier, extracts and processes the material locally, meaning the plaster in our products travels minimal miles from quarry to workshop. That translates into a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to imported or synthetic alternatives. This short, local supply chain is part of what makes handmade plasterwork not only beautiful—but also environmentally responsible. Why Gypsum Plaster Is a Green Choice Gypsum plaster is not just effective and elegant—it's one of the most eco-friendly building materials available today: ✅ 100% natural and recyclable ✅ Low embodied energy during production ✅ Non-toxic and VOC-free, ideal for healthy home environments ✅ Naturally fire-resistant and breathable And because our mouldings are crafted to last a lifetime, there's no need for regular replacements—unlike cheaper, mass-produced alternatives made from plastic or polyurethane. Supporting Traditional British Craftsmanship Every piece of plaster coving we make is hand-poured and finished by skilled artisans in our Yorkshire workshop. These traditional methods have been passed down through generations, preserving not just the techniques but the values of British heritage manufacturing. By choosing handcrafted plasterwork, you’re doing more than elevating your interior—you’re supporting local jobs, sustaining rare skills, and investing in quality that honours both the past and the future.
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Plaster Coving Products available at Travis Perkins
Plaster Coving Ltd products are now available at Travis Perkins. If you have an account at Travis Perkins, simply fill up your basket with what you require and at the check our select Travis Perkins as the payment method - you do not need to give payment instructions. Make sure you have added your delivery address, email and telephone number, we will then contact you to supply paperwork which you take into your local branch of Travis Perkins. Your local Travis Perkins Branch will place the order directly with ourselves and we will deliver straight to you. You will then pay for your order subject to the terms you have on your Travis Perkins account. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01723 321 111
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Spring Interior Makeovers: Start with Your Ceilings
As the days grow longer and natural light floods your home, spring is the perfect time to refresh your interiors. While most people start with walls or soft furnishings, there's one space that's often overlooked—and yet has the power to transform a room: your ceiling.
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When to DIY and When to Hire a Coving Installer
Installing plaster coving is one of the most effective ways to add character and charm to a room—but should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional? While many homeowners are comfortable with DIY tasks, coving installation requires precision, planning, and the right tools. In this article, we’ll help you decide when it’s a job for the weekend warrior and when it’s best left to the experts.
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What’s the Difference Between Coving and Cornice?
If you’ve been renovating a period home or planning a ceiling makeover, you’ve likely come across the terms “coving”and “cornice”. Often used interchangeably, these two types of plaster moulding both serve to soften the join between wall and ceiling—but they aren't exactly the same. So, what’s the difference?
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The Timeless History of Decorative Plaster Mouldings
For generations, decorative plaster mouldings have played a key role in enhancing the interiors of homes and buildings, bringing a sense of elegance, character, and sophistication to any space. But where did this tradition begin, and how has plaster coving evolved over time?
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From Workshop to Wall: How Traditional Plaster Mouldings Are Made
At Plaster Coving Ltd, we believe in preserving the artistry of traditional plasterwork — whether it's made here in Britain or imported using time-tested methods...
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How to make a house a home
When we think about transforming a house into a home, we often focus on furniture, colour schemes, and personal touches. But one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — ways to define a space with character and elegance lies above eye level: in the details of decorative plaster mouldings.
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