INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN IN PLASTERING
by Past Master Tony Mitchell
In January, the Court agreed to a proposal from the Industry Committee to create a new award, the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers Award to Inspirational Women in Plastering.
In our actions, the Company and the Charity have always provided support to women in the industry as women are very underrepresented in the trade, and we hear stories about the struggles they face to get into the industry and to be accepted. It is sad, but it is the reality today, even though things are definitely improving.
The aim of the award is that by giving this to someone, the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers will be shining a light on an individual who, by their actions, has demonstrated that all areas of the plastering and lime working craft are open to all members of society. By giving this award, the Worshipful Company are aiming to bring attention to the recipient and to the work that they are doing, generating positive publicity and a platform for the recipient to be seen and heard. The award can be given to someone who directly works with plaster or lime, in any form, in any industry, craft or artis-tic field, or, it can be given to someone, who, through the advocacy work that they do, has encouraged women to take up roles related to the use of plaster or lime, in any form, in any industry, craft or artistic field.
From a shortlist of eight women, the Industry Committee made its recommendation to the Court, which was approved in April.
The 2026 recipient is Sarah Mayfield, and the Master presented the award at a reception after the London Craft Week event in May.
Sarah Mayfield is a building conservator, sculptor and ornamental plasterer and is Senior National Conservator for Stone and Plaster at the National Trust. Coming from a practical background as a sculptor, she grew her work and understanding in building conservation and ornamental plasterwork, learning skills on site, then consolidating these in an MSc in Building Conservation.
Prior to joining the National Trust, Sarah had been a Director of a Brighton-based heritage building company, and later her own consultancy practice working with clients such as the Brighton Dome, London Underground, country houses, cathedrals and London institutions and driving engineering research into material surveying.
Sarah has been working with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and Historic England, publishing articles and advice on historic plasterwork and conservation guidance. Sarah has also written the FIS ‘Best Practice Guide – Repair of Historic Ceilings’, to help promote best practice in the repair and restoration of historic plaster ceilings.
Sarah is a very deserving first recipient of this new award and sets the bar for those who will follow her.
