Jonathan Foulger: Plastered Rooms

Traces of 9,000 year old plaster renders have been found in Syria, while gypsum was used by the ancient Egyptians for both walling and modelling. Plaster is intensely functional (the Great Fire of London spawned a decree that all premises not plastered within 8 days should be knocked down) and – especially from Henry VIIIth onwards – frequently decorative. We surround ourselves in it with barely a thought… except, perhaps, when we move or refurbish our homes. Then that curious, ambient dampness that seems to bend temperature, scent and light captures a moment of change: a new beginning.

Jonathan Foulger was a plasterer who, in 2009, completed a photography degree with a project that went on to win an award at the National Media Museum. He’s since enjoyed group exhibitions and various commissions… but he is still in transition. This exhibition consciously marks that process. Plasterers typically strike a rapport with homeowners and Jonathan has asked them about the work they are having done and photographed them in rooms that are still gently curing – just like the frames around these images. As Jonathan says: “Please do touch!”.

Held in the Photography Gallery.