Ornaments
Repetitive building ornamentation lends itself well to prefabrication. Given that modeling repetitive elements on site takes more time than elements first cast in molds and then placed/pasted. In Roman times, we find several cast ornamented frames in the Domus Aurea, among others. Usually cast in wooden molds and then glued and supplemented with modeling work in situ.
In Roman times, we find several cast ornamented frames in the Domus Aurea, among others. Usually cast in wooden molds and then glued and supplemented with modeling work in situ.
In Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries casting moulds were widely used in finishing walls and ceilings in interiors. Usually in combination with work modeled in situ. A Renaissance example outside Italy is the Galerie François I and the staircase in the Château de Fontainebleau. Here, between 1532 and 1552, Italians Francesco Primaticcio, Rosso Fiorentino and Niccolò dell'Abbate made grateful use of casting moulds to first cast off putti and nymphs and other figures and then place them in proper perspective on walls, coves and ceilings. An amazing wealth in interior decorations inextricably linked to the architecture of the interior: texture, imagination, decoration, design, variety. During the 17th and into the 18th century, this wealth spread throughout Europe.
Wooden counter moulds are used for repetitive elements. The search for the use of flexible, stretchable materials in order to be able to mold non-self-relieving ornaments, results in the course of the 18th century. First still in glue and gelatin as flexible materials, later also latex. In the 20th century followed by artificial rubbers and silicones.
Around 1800 ateliers for making ornaments and decorations arise in Berlin, Paris and London, among others, and in the second half of the 19th century also in Amsterdam. In addition to production in plaster, other materials find their application in this industry: papier-mâché, artificial stone, concrete and plastics, among others.
The use of prefabricated elements and ornaments in the interior takes off tremendously in the late 19th century and continues well into the 20th century. In the 21st century, a revival takes place, old ornamented stucco ceilings emerge over suspended ceilings, interest in this architectural heritage increases, stucco ceilings are restored and new designs are implemented. Craftsmanship is gaining momentum through new training initiated by the industry, autonomously and in collaboration with other training centers.