Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE)FAQInformation

The training

Educational objectives:

This training offers an immersion in the traditional techniques of decorative plasterwork, staff, and stucco, which are becoming increasingly rare today. Participants will discover the richness of these ancient skills, learn to distinguish their particularities, whether in terms of materials, tools, or techniques, and will be introduced, in the workshop, to concrete projects: staff molding and creating a marble stucco element.

Beyond technical training, the training encourages reflection on the place of these crafts in the current landscape of decorative arts, between heritage restoration and contemporary innovation. It also raises awareness of the importance of preserving these artisanal skills, essential to the transmission of cultural heritage.

By developing their manual precision, their eye for materials, and their creative capacity, trainees engage in an approach that is both educational and meaningful: to perpetuate an endangered artistic craft and contribute to shaping its future.

At the end of the training, the trainee will be able to:

  • Recognize the different plastering techniques
  • Distinguish between the different plaster techniques
  • Identify the different stucco techniques
  • Shape a small marble stucco element
  • Make a plaster cast

Training content

The techniques that Éric Leblanc teaches, long essential for the embellishment of architectural heritage, require great mastery of technique and in-depth knowledge of materials. Today, they are only taught in a few specialized centers, making their transmission all the more urgent and crucial.

By participating in this training, learners will discover the foundations of these traditional crafts, understand their technical subtleties, and be introduced to the creation of decorative elements in plaster and marble stucco.

Through a historical, technical, and practical approach, they will be made aware of the cultural value of these skills, their role in heritage preservation, and their potential in contemporary creation.

Schedule

Day 1

Morning

  • Introductions
  • Lecture and discussion on the history of plaster, staff, and stucco
  • Slideshow and film presentation, including a presentation on Venetian lime stucco known as "Marmorino"

Afternoon

  • Visit to the Casino Venier, a 17th-century stucco building managed by Alliance Française Venezia
  • Return to the workshop
  • Presentation of materials and tools (a glossary will be provided throughout the training, in several languages)
  • Preparation of release agents and adhesive water

Day 2

Morning and Afternoon

  • Experiments with plaster molding with demonstrations
  • Experiments with plaster-based marble stucco with demonstrations
  • Day 3

    Morning and Afternoon

    • Guidance in creating a model (individual subject assigned)
    • Individual clay modeling project

    Day 4

    Morning and Afternoon

    • Lost-wax casting of the individual model
    • Creation of a plaster cast
    • Design of a mold template
    • Production of plaster molds

    Day 5

    Morning

    • Framing Molding around the finished decoration
    • Design of a molding template and production of plaster moldings

    Afternoon

    • Review and end of training
    • Presentation of finished pieces
    • Workshop cleanup

Trainers

with Éric Leblanc

Éric Leblanc

Master plasterer and pass-on of expertise

Born in 1965, Éric Leblanc discovered the plasterer's trade at the age of 14 in Nantes. At 17, he joined the Compagnons du Devoir and began a ten-year Tour de France. This journey took him to France, but also to Germany and Italy, notably Venice and Florence, where he trained in modeling and stamping with masters of the Venetian school. These techniques lastingly enriched his approach to the craft.

In 1997, he founded his own workshop, Les Métiers du Plâtre, in Brain-sur-l'Authion, Anjou. In 2007, his company was awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, a national recognition that recognizes its expertise in the transmission and preservation of traditional craft techniques.

He pursues a dual activity: the restoration of historic monuments and contemporary creation. He participates in major projects, such as the reconstruction of the Baroque altarpiece in the chapel of the Château du Plessis-Blutière, which earned him the Grand Prix départemental de la restauration du patrimoine (Departmental Grand Prize for Heritage Restoration) in 2007. At the same time, he explores more daring forms, blending tradition and innovation, as evidenced by the creation in 2015 of a plaster dress worn at an event by Miss Pays de la Loire, the future Miss France.

Particularly committed to the transmission of his knowledge, he trains apprentices in his workshop, speaks at applied arts schools and universities, and regularly shares his expertise with the public, notably during the European Days of Crafts.

His commitment and the quality of his work have earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Hand Intelligence® in 2009 and the Jury's Favorite Prize at the Placo Trophies in 2019.

He embodies a demanding, vibrant, and generous vision of the crafts, where a passion for the hand is combined with a desire to share and innovate.

Methods used

  • Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
  • Materials provided
  • Individual and collaborative work
  • Workshop work
  • Active participation and experimentation of participants are encouraged

Materials provided by the Campus:

  • 6 25kg bags of Molda 3 normal casting plaster - various natural pigments

Specific materials provided by the instructor:

  • Rabbit skin glue
  • Mold release agent
  • Vegetable fiber (sisal type)
  • Various stucco sandpapers (value of materials approximately €150)

Equipment for Training

  • Equipment provided by the Campus (for 12 trainees):
  • 2 tables with a laminated top, approximately 1.20m x 2.50m - 3 round black bins, approximately 120 liters
  • 3 12-liter buckets

Equipment provided by the instructor:

  • Molding tools for plaster and stucco

Monitoring and evaluation procedures

  • Suivi collectif et personnalisé des travaux, points réguliers
  • Autoévaluation des acquis techniques
  • Restitution collective
  • Feuille d’émargement par demi-journée
  • Attestation de réalisation délivrée par Campus MaNa

Duration and method of organization:

Target audience:
The training is open to all adult audiences
Level(s):
Language(s) :
French
Dates :
From 25/11/2025 to 29/11/2025
Duration:
5 days
Schedules:
9h-13h / 14h-18h
Location & organization:
Campus Mana Venezia
Cancellation conditions:
21 days before the start of the training
Number of participants:
12
Price: 
2200€ TTC

OPCOS: 100% financeable by AFDAS

In France, AFDAS is currently the only skills operator (OPCO) that can support training in Venice, under certain conditions.
This funding is primarily aimed at intermittent performers and affiliated or subject artist-authors.
If this applies to you, contact your AFDAS advisor in advance to prepare your application. Campus Mana can provide the necessary documents upon request.

The price includes training as well as materials and personal protective equipment. However, it does not cover transportation, accommodation, or full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Contact us inscriptions@campusmana.com

93
%
2024 training satisfaction rate
crossmenuchevron-down
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram