About Christopher Knell
Christopher is based in Vancouver BC and has been in the building industry for over 38 years. His career began with an intensive 3-year apprenticeship in Stonemasonry at Lampard’s, a building company based in Twyford, Hampshire, England. In 1989 after completing his apprenticeship and his City and Guilds levels 1, 2 & 3. Christopher started up his first company with his father at the age of 19. Christopher worked as a skilled stonemason, lime plasterer and traditional builder under this and other companies for many years until he formed Contemporary House in 1996.
Christopher now exclusively works with Venetian Plaster, he is a multi certified applicator in Italian lime plasters. His techniques are part of a legacy of skilled European craftsmanship. However his style and passion for design are drawn from more modern sources.
Christopher has worked on numerous commercial and residential projects, transforming ordinary interior and exterior walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, and fireplaces into exceptional pieces of artistry.
Christopher’s aesthetic inspiration comes from his numerous international trips exploring different styles of architecture and design. With each of these experiences he observed what good design and beautiful finishings could facilitate: spaces with depth and beauty. Walls that could maximize definition, reflect, and enrich light sources. Ultimately greater style through chic simplicity.
Christopher works with his clients, designers, and architects to conceive the unique design concept individualized to the space being transformed. Christopher is fully devoted to each step of the project as layers of plaster are applied using specialized hand tools. The finished results are impeccable.
It is his blend of historic, trusted methods and cutting-edge design that makes Contemporary House Ltd. unique to this day.
About the History of Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster, also known as lime plaster or stucco Veneziano, has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. Its origins can be traced to the practice of using lime-based plasters in Roman architecture, where it was applied to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces to create durable and decorative finishes.
The technique gained prominence during the Renaissance period in Venice, Italy, where it evolved into the sophisticated and luxurious finish we recognize today. Venetian plaster became synonymous with the opulent palaces and grand buildings of Venice, reflecting the city's wealth and artistic prowess.
During the Renaissance, skilled craftsmen known as "stuccatori" perfected the art of Venetian plaster, developing techniques to achieve smooth, marble-like finishes that mimicked the appearance of expensive stone surfaces. These craftsmen guarded their trade secrets closely, passing down their knowledge through apprenticeships and guilds.
Venetian plaster reached its zenith of popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, adorning the interiors of palaces, churches, and noble residences throughout Europe. Its versatility and timeless elegance made it a favourite among architects, designers, and patrons of the arts.
However, the popularity of Venetian plaster waned in subsequent centuries as new materials and techniques emerged. It experienced a revival in the late 20th century, thanks to a renewed interest in traditional craftsmanship and artisanal techniques. Today, Venetian plaster is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, prized for its beauty, durability, and eco-friendly properties. Formulations of Venetian plaster often incorporate slaked lime, marble dust, and other natural ingredients.
In conclusion, Venetian plaster has a storied history that spans millennia, from its origins in ancient Rome to its golden age in Renaissance Venice and its revival in the modern era. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless beauty, versatility, and connection to centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.