Northwich plasterer awarded master status at London ceremony

Mark Hardman, who lives in Norley, is a fifth generation plasterer, whose family business can trace its roots back to the 1800s.

The 58-year-old was one of only five plasterers from the UK to be awarded the accolade by The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.

"I come from a line of 200 years of consecutive plastering," Mark said.

"It's definitely in my blood.

"To get this status is such a massive, massive privilege.

"There were only five people to get it this year, and that number was bigger than normal due to Covid."

Mark comes from a long line of plasterers

Despite coming from a long line of plasterers, Mark is the first in the family's history to be awarded the prestigious master status.

"There were tales of my grandfather being a master, but it was never proven," added Mark.

"It's a big deal to be awarded and there were many different aspects to actually getting it."

The status was awarded to Mark in a formal ceremony in London, with the city's Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny doing the honours.

"I had to do a 42-year CV and three different job projects," he went on.

"One was restoration, one commerical and the other heritage.

"As well as a method statement, I also had to provide photographic evidence.

"I also had to have two current masters provide me with references."

He was awarded the status by the Lord Mayor of London

Mark started plastering when he left school in 1981 and says he absoluely loves every aspect of the job.

"I've been plastering solidly since leaving school," he added.

"I used to work for my father and when he died, I carried on by myself.

"Although I've got no plans to retire, the work does bring aches and pains to your body that you wouldn't believe."

One of Mark's son's is a successful plumber and the other works in bars, so at this stage, there doesn't appear to be an heir to carry on the family's plastering legacy.

Mark said: "My little sister in Australia has done lots of research about the family and there is a possibility that there was an even earlier plasterer, which could actually make me sixth generation."

One of the more curious aspects of being granted master status is that Mark could bring a flock of sheep into London, but he has no plans to take advantage of that just yet!