Book titled ‘Plastering Plain & Decorative’ by William Millar

This technical manual was first published in 1897 by B.T. Batsford in London and became a standard reference work for plasterers and decorative artists. The book comprehensively covers both plain and ornamental plastering techniques, featuring detailed illustrations of moldings, cornices, and decorative plasterwork that were popular in late Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Multiple editions were published through the early 20th century, with later editions revised and enlarged by George P. Bankart.

This book appeals to architectural historians, restoration specialists, traditional craftsmen, and collectors of technical and trade literature. It represents an important documentation of plastering techniques from the height of decorative plasterwork in British architecture, making it valuable both as a practical reference and as a historical artifact documenting Victorian-era building trades and craftsmanship standards.