Chalk is the Fife-based plain and decorative plastering company created by Ffion and Steven Blench. They are extremely knowledgeable about not only traditional techniques but also the rich history of plaster design. Their work includes a wide range of restoring historic interiors from minor repairs to the complete reinstatement of original designs . Restoration work can take them far and wide with current projects in Orkney, Skye and London. Ffion’s fifteen years within the trade has seen her work on a variety of prestigious projects at Stirling Castle, Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms and Blair Atholl Castle. Before establishing the business with Ffion, Steven worked for the Royal Collection cataloguing decorative artworks at Holyrood Palace, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.

Decorative plaster cornices and ceilings are associated with historical buildings but Chalk have revisited this ancient art to create new designs which bring the artform up to date and relevant to contemporary architecture. A sophisticated use of geometry produces sharp edged precise designs. Shadows created by the differently angled surfaces highlight the three dimensional quality of the work. Some work involves repeating the same component to build a larger design.

In the last year Chalk have raised awareness of the possibilities of using plaster in a contemporary way through exhibiting their work at Fire Station Creative in Dunfermline, at the Dundee Design Festival and Custom Lane Gallery, Edinburgh.