Pargeting, a photo from Essex, England

Photographer's Note

'Pargeting'?
This building has some fine examples of pargeting, the textured decoration to be seen on the walls.

"Initially, patterns were stamped or scratched into the surface of wet plaster, but the most skilled pargeters came to create their own designs, which they then modelled directly onto the wall using their fingers and spatula to create designs in high relief.
Repeat decorative patterns were often made with wooden home-made stamps.

Pargeting is mainly associated with East Anglia, in particular with Essex and Suffolk.
Believed to have been introduced to England in the 16th century by Henry VIII, who imported Italian plasterers to decorate Nonsuch Palace.

The craft was referred to as 'stucco' in Italy, but became known as pargeting in England."

It is a very beautiful feature of some of the buildings in Saffron Walden.
One more example in the w/s, and more pictures tomorrow.

Thanks for looking.

holmertz, ikeharel, jhm, ChrisJ, Fis2, mcmtanyel, ktanska, worldcitizen, clic has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

holmertz (103540) 2021-05-08 7:32

Hello Jean,
Since I never heard the word 'pargeting' I didn't look at the walls first thing, but the bookshelves caught my attention. I like books, and these brought an interesting element to the view. But looking again, after reading the note, I was stunned to see the patterns created on the walls. I know stucco, of course, but I can't remember this technique being used for exteriors. I have only seen such patterns on ceiling and interior walls, so this seems unique. Both photos are very interesting and informative.
Best regards,
Gert

ikeharel (114477) 2021-05-08 8:51

Learnt a new word in English today:"Pargeting", Jean.
That's seems as a wonderful and skilfull technique decorating outer walls.
Both pictures are a fine example of this pattern-job's.
You must had debated which to post first...
Wish you a nice weekend,
Ike

ChrisJ (172378) 2021-05-08 9:59

Hello Jean,

I had never heard of pargeting before, only stucco. Good angled pov with superb sharpness and the corner bookstore is a fine detail and focal point. A lot of residences in Turkey and even some ex Ottoman countries like Bulgaria have the same overhanging upper floors. Tfs!

jhm (211738) 2021-05-08 10:00

Hello Jean,

Also in Flemish Belgium we speak about stucco.
My brother wad a real specialist in stucco work, he is 90 year now!
Nice architectural picture, certainly the first frontage.
An excellent composition and presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John

Fis2 (171823) 2021-05-08 11:46

Witaj Jean!
A very nice house, view from street makes impression.
Good POV and sharpness.
Well done.
Good evening.
Krzysztof

lousat (139914) 2021-05-08 15:07

Hi Jean,in fact these are 2 great example of "stucco" born in Italy and especially in Venice. It's still usual to decorate the walls in this way in the luxury homes,especially in the interiors,interesting post with 2 excellent pics showing the details in a very good way. Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

mcmtanyel (69101) 2021-05-08 21:22

Hello Jean,
First time I have heard of pargeting, and it is pretty!
Regards,
MT

jemaflor (148124) 2021-05-08 23:25

Hi Jean,
well presented, nice architecture style with this white wall, good rendering sharpness and soft light, good colors contrast with the green house, tfs.

Royaldevon (86364) 2021-05-09 3:25

Hello Jean,

'Pargeting' a new word to me and one that describes a process that creates amazing beauty! It's like seeing textured wallpaper on the exterior of the houses!
It is obviously robust, to have survived for so many years.
Thank you for sharing this fine photograph and new information. That's what TE is all about!

Have a lovely Sunday,
Bev :-)

ktanska (45030) 2021-05-09 8:59

Hi Jean,
You guessed right, that word is quite new to me. The wall textures look wonderful. And the upper floor reaching over the pavement is special too. And I'm sure Lankester Antiques and Books would be a nice place to visit too.
Kari

Tue (93328) 2021-05-09 9:44

Hello Jean,
A beautiful photo of this old, white house. The textures of the walls are wonderful and look particularly good in this fine sunlight. Also the wooden door and the books in the windows are appealing details.
Lars

worldcitizen (16226) 2021-05-09 13:56

Hello Jean,
I had never heard this word before, so thanks for teaching me something new. :-) This is a beautiful house. The design work is different in each different section, and all of the patterns are well-done and attractive. The pargeting looks good in white. Take care!

ifege (49297) 2021-05-10 2:55

Hi Jean
This one has superb detail in the large view with the texture on the walls standing out beautifully.
Cheers

mkamionka (75015) 2021-05-13 0:12

Hi Jean
nice series of photos well illustrating the English stucco.
Pity that they didn't paint it -it would be even more eye catching. South of England is still quite unexplored by me. Maybe the pandemics will encourage me to see more in the south.
Very well done,
M

clic (76) 2021-05-14 6:12

Hello Jean You show an astounding masonry decoration
on this building and it is very instructive to learn about the ancestral technique which is reproduced here.
My compliments for the perfection of the minute details perceptible in highlights captured without any overexposure.
Cheers

jmdias (116341) 2021-07-05 8:56

jean.

a nice view of this fa鏰de with beautiful relieves in evidence. I liked these patterns and the books in evidence in the outside of the store.

take care

jorge