About James Collier
Pargetting, bas relief and lime plasterwork
Creating bespoke interior and exterior pieces for homes, heritage properties and private commissions.
Based in Suffolk and available for commissions across the UK and worldwide, each piece is designed and shaped entirely by hand, tailored to the building and its setting.
What James Creates
Bespoke work for buildings, interiors and private collections
Every commission is designed around the property, the setting and the client, making each piece completely individual.
Exterior Pargetting
Decorative lime plasterwork for facades, walls, heritage buildings and traditional homes.
Interior Relief Work
Hand-shaped bas relief pieces for interiors, feature walls and special architectural details.
Nature Scenes
Bespoke scenes inspired by wildlife, landscapes, gardens, history and personal stories.
Artwork
Original sculptural pieces for homes, galleries and private collections.
In James’s Words
“I absolutely love my work and feel incredibly lucky to have discovered an old traditional art. To create interior and exterior art for people is a privilege.”
UK and Worldwide Commissions
Created for the right project, wherever it may be
Work can be created for period properties, new builds, repair and conservation projects , private homes, gardens, interiors, commercial spaces and heritage settings.
Whether the brief is a large exterior panel or a smaller sculptural artwork, each piece begins with a conversation about the space, the story and the desired finish.
About James
From bricklayer to dedicated pargetter
James began his career with a five year apprenticeship as a bricklayer. As an apprentice, he competed in bricklaying competitions and received the Silver Trowel award in 1989 at Norwich City College.
He became self employed in 1991 and started his own small building company in 2000. Years later, while renovating his own clay lump property near Diss, he discovered the traditional art of pargetting in lime plaster.
After removing cement and pebble dash render, James found the wall beneath was crumbling. That led him to research traditional methods for older buildings, where lime pargetting stood out as both practical and beautiful.
He has since stopped general building work to concentrate on pargetting, bas relief sculpture and his own artwork.
Start a Commission
Speak to James about your project
For bespoke pargetting, bas relief sculpture, lime plasterwork and original artwork, contact James to discuss your idea.
The Craft and Materials
Why James works with lime
Lime plaster is breathable and flexible, which makes it especially suitable for older buildings. Cement can trap moisture, leading to timber rot, clay decay and long term damage.
James uses traditional methods to create decorative plasterwork that protects the building while adding character, relief and detail.
For James, pargetting is not just decoration. It is a way of respecting the structure beneath while creating something personal and lasting.
Commission Process
How a bespoke piece comes together
Enquiry
Share your idea, location, property type and whether the piece is for an interior or exterior space.
Design
James considers the setting, scale, materials and story behind the commission.
Creation
The work is shaped by hand using lime plaster and traditional pargetting techniques.
Finished Piece
The result is a unique piece of plasterwork made specifically for the client and location.
A Historic Craft
Pargetting has centuries of heritage
Pargetting has roots in ancient plasterwork and became especially popular in England during the Tudor and Elizabethan periods, when it decorated timber-framed buildings.
East Anglia became particularly known for intricate pargetting, with fine examples still found across Suffolk and Essex.
Today, the craft is rare, but artisans like James are helping keep it alive through new commissions and original artwork.
Selected Work
Handcrafted detail, made to be unique
A small selection of work. Visit the Gallery for more.
