The restoration of the Lucas Theatre, built in 1921 by Fleming's grandfather, brought third-generation plaster artisan Jean Francois Furieri to town. Furieri hand-crafted a replica of the parlor's plaster ceiling medallion, adding another elegant touch to the guest quarters.

On a visit to the historic theatre, This Old House watched Furieri create a plaster moulding using his plaster extrusion technique, an ancient method that he learned from his father. He poured a first coating of plaster into counter form made from plaster and burlap sealed by shellac and covered with oil and soap, which act as release agents. He then reinforced the plaster with a layer of burlap for strength. He had approximately 30 minutes to work with the liquid plaster before it set up. While lime is traditionally used to give the plaster body , Furieri uses raw plaster because it is stronger. Then he ran a piece of metal cut to the profile of the moulding and mounted on a wood sled through the plaster. He ran the profiler through the plaster again and again until the edges were crisp. Any further ornamentation would be hand-applied after the plaster had set.

The Guest Room With a View
Step Into the Parlor

2nd Floor:
Guest Bedroom | Guest Bath | Bedroom
Laundry | Master Bedroom | Master Bath | Attic