Words from the editor
Here Come the Girls is a free, non-profit online magazine and the sister publication of Lath and Plaster.
Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the voices of women in the plastering industry, sharing inspiring stories of those making an impact in the field. Have a story to tell? We’d love to feature you—get in touch! Enjoy the read, and don’t forget to subscribe. It’s completely free, and you’ll receive an email notification whenever a new edition is published.
David Winchester, Editor
Lady Master Plasterer Dolcie Ross Keogh.
Dolcie’s journey in plasterwork began at the age of 15 when she became an apprentice under Master Plasterer Kevin Holbrook. During her apprenticeship, she trained extensively in plain and decorative plasterwork, scagliola, and gilding. In the years that followed, she honed her craft while working with Living with the Past, applying her skills to a diverse range of heritage and contemporary buildings across Ireland and Europe.
Grass roots with Plaster Mouldings Direct Ltd,
We’re a family business run by a father, son and daughter team who are City & Guilds trained craftsmen from London
Debbie Watkins
I initially got into plastering because I wanted to learn a practical skill that would come in handy when I eventually bought my own property—especially since most homes within my budget needed work!
Women in Plastering: A Historical Overview
The history of women in plastering dates back to the 1600s and tells a story of slow but steady progress in a male-dominated trade. In the 17th and 18th centuries, plastering was almost exclusively done by men. The physically demanding nature of the work, along with strict societal norms, kept women from joining the trade
Lottie Durrant
Lottie Durrant is a talented female plasterer who, at just 20 years old, runs her own highly successful plastering business. Her journey into the world of plastering began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marys Fibrous Workshop
Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous obstacles, but I’ve always been determined to keep up with those around me. That meant adapting, building resilience, and pushing forward no matter what. If something wasn’t right, I never told myself, “I can’t do this.” Instead, I kept trying—again and again—until I got it right.
Plastering Books and e-Books
A collection of plastering books designed primarily for plastering students these books are available in both paperback and digital formats. The series begins with Basic Plastering Skills, progresses to Plasterwork Decorative Mouldings, and for advanced learners, includes Columns, Cornices, and Curves. Paperback editions are printed on demand by the publisher, while e-books are available for immediate download.
Kerry Smith From Plasterers Labourer to Plastering Trainer
Back in 2002, after leaving school, I started a part-time college course in sports therapy, health, and fitness. My dream was to become a personal trainer because of my love for exercise. However, my parents insisted that I find a job on my days off. So, I began labouring for the building firm where my dad worked.
A great solution to a problem
For those of us plasterers working primarily in the domestic market, one common challenge we all face is dealing with waste water from washing out our buckets, tools, and mixing drills. Everyone has their own method, but if we’re not careful, we risk being blamed for blocked household drains due to plaster residue.
Whenever I come across a brilliant solution, I feel compelled to share it. As the editor of Booth Lath and Plaster and now Here Come the Girls, I often receive requests to feature products in the magazine. Since we are a non-profit publication, I don’t want to offer free advertising, but sometimes a product is genuinely beneficial to plasterers.
That’s why I wanted to highlight Shark Bags—a simple solution for managing waste water. If you’ve used them, I’d love to hear your honest feedback. What do you think?
Cõrinnë Vëllå
My passion for plastering began five years ago when I learned the trade from my dad. From the moment I picked up a trowel, I knew this was more than just a job—it was a craft. There’s something incredibly rewarding about transforming walls, achieving flawless finishes, and knowing my work will stand the test of time.
Under the Spotlight with ABCD Plastering
I started my plastering career about eight years ago after deciding it was time for a new challenge. Before that, I worked in supermarket retail, but I no longer found it fulfilling. Around the same time, my sister had just bought her first home and was struggling to find a plasterer for some cosmetic work. Curious to give it a try, I took an intensive course with Dorset Trade Skills. Soon, I was plastering parts of her house and taking on small projects for friends.
If you’d asked me three years ago where id like to be when I’m eighteen, I would never have said being a builder; but here I am
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Here come the girls 
This is fantastic! We’re super chuffed to see all these women plasterers.
We hope it’s allowed to invite all or any of the women here and readers, to WIT! The only all day event organised by and for all tradeswomen and trainee tradeswomen.
It is a completely free, all day event in Camden on 4th July. Information and tickets here https://stopcocks.uk/conference.
Any helpful companies who might like to support with raffle prizes still have time to do so by emailing mica@stopcocks.uk.
Thank you
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Thanks for your lovely comments
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