Tadelakt Technique Innovative Workshop at Atelier Pittoresque, Paris

Feb. 17, 2015 - PRLog -- The Moroccan tadelakt technique is much more than a traditional lime plastering technique; in fact it represents the Moroccan way of life, and is a symbol of its culture and its identity.

Lime itself has been used as a binder in construction for thousands of years dating from the 6th century BC and was used by many ancient civilizations, both Western and Eastern. Used throughout the world and acknowledged for its beauty, lime was used consistently up until its demise which began with the invention of cement in the 19^th century. All was not lost however, as in the 1960s, rising awareness regarding the restoration of old buildings and protecting nations’ heritages, brought back its use once again.

Tadelakt was used in the past in Morocco as a decorative plastering technique on the walls of official buildings and in bathrooms and hammams (due to its water resistant proprieties). Today, tadelakt can be used for multiple uses: in bathrooms, bedrooms or hammam as well as applied to external walls and patio areas. It is also the only lime plaster that can be applied to floors as well as furniture and other decorative pieces such as washstands, lamp bases, vases etc.

The Atelier Pittoresque in Paris has developed various decoration approaches with lime plaster including tadelakt, Marmarino stucco plaster finishes and patinas. The Tadelakt Moracaim technique (http://www.atelier-pittoresque.com/ ) which requires skill and patience with regards to its application has gained immense popularity due to its aesthetically appealing and long lasting results - the secret behind its finish lies in the slowness of application and mastering of the necessary hand techniques. Offering tailored workshops to suit those seeking to learn the fine artistry of this technique from beginner workshops through to improvement workshops and even master class workshops, working on actual job sites, the Atelier Pittoresque in Paris’ focus is on bringing this craft back to life. Themed trips take place not only in France but other countries where such techniques have flourished in the past. Offering a unique opportunity to learn more about tadelakt and other plastering techniques, this year the Atelier Pittoresque will travel to Morocco where participants will learn more about artisanal techniques, as well as participate in language classes, seminars and gastronomy courses.