Emmett O’Carroll Plasterer
by Story Preservation Initiative
Emmett O’Carroll is a plasterer from Ireland now living in New Hampshire who initially learned his trade through Ireland’s nationally sanctioned apprenticeship program. In his SPI recording Emmett traces his steps from early learning to mastery and talks about what it is to make a life as a skilled tradesperson in New England. Part historian, part artist, and full-time, hands-on tradesman, Emmett is able to create unique designs in plaster, at times altering the way light plays off the surface by using different mineral compounds, as well as restore and recreate designs popular in many early American homes.
As he relates, traditional plasterwork has been making a comeback as a practical alternative for walls and ceilings. It is increasingly valued as an environmentally friendly alternative to more modern materials.
