Aaron Manson, The Heritage Plasterer,(Formerly Old Melbourne Plaster) is a multi award winning plasterer with a proud reputation for craftsmanship in the conservation and restoration of historic masonry & plasterwork. With a deep respect for traditional methods, we specialise in the careful preservation and recreation of original plaster features in heritage homes, civic buildings, and historically significant interiors.
Our team uses time-honoured techniques to restore damaged or deteriorated plasterwork, faithfully matching original designs and materials to ensure architectural integrity is maintained. Whether working from fragments, archival drawings, or surviving details, we breathe new life into ornate ceilings, cornices, and mouldings—preserving these important pieces of our built history for future generations.
While we also undertake bespoke new work, our passion lies in keeping the art of plastering alive. In an age where traditional trades are being lost to modern shortcuts, we are proud to deliver handcrafted, personalised finishes that honour the skill and detail of the past.
We work closely with heritage architects, conservators, and private clients to protect the stories told through plaster—and to ensure they endure for many years to come.
Specialising in (but not limited to):
- Traditional lime plaster
- Lath and plaster
- Lath and plaster stabilizing systems
- Fibrous and horsehair plaster
- Replication of plaster mouldings
- Decorative plaster mouldings
- Sand and lime repointing
- Rising damp
- Chimneys
- Heritage exterior cleaning
- Heritage action plans
- Dilapidation and feasibility reports
Professional Affiliations / Qualifications
Aaron Manson has over 30 years experience in fibrous and solid plastering.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1996 NMIT Cert III Fibrous Plastering
AWARDS:
- 2016 AWCI Decorative Plaster Award – Victoria, for private residence in Albert Park
- 2017 AWCI Decorative Plaster Award – Victoria, for the Palais Theatre, St Kilda
- 2017 AWCI Decorative Plaster Award – Australia and New Zealand, for the Palais Theatre, St Kilda
- 2019 AWCI Decorative Plaster Award – Victoria, for RMIT Capitol Theatre, Melbourne
- 2019 AWCI Decorative Plaster Award – Australia and New Zealand, for RMIT Capitol Theatre, Melbourne
PREVIOUS PROJECTS:
- Palais Theatre, St kilda
- Capitol Theatre, Melbourne
- Block Arcade, Melbourne
- Melbourne Town Hall
- Quat Quatta, Melbourne
- E&S Bank, Melbourne
- Mintaro, Monegeetta
- Berrambool Homestead, Wickliffe
- Banongill Station, Skipton
- Heatherbrae, Caulfield
- The National Centre of Photography, Ballarat
- South Melbourne Park Primary School, Albert Park
- Spreydon, Hawthorn
- Glenferrie Railway Station
- Athenaeum Library, Melbourne