Behind the Trowel…

Robbie Mansour Founder of DWF / VPT.

Robbie fell in love with Venetian plaster following his holiday to Lebanon in 2013. Robbie fell in love with Venetian plaster following a vacation to Lebanon in 2013.

Origin Story

I found venetian plaster when visiting Lebanon, my home country.

I walked into my relatives’ apartment and noticed a large piece of marble on the living room wall.

I ran my fingertips over the smooth walls and inquired, “Is this marble?”

“It’s stucco,” my cousin Karim answered.

After returning to Ottawa, I spent months searching for “stucco,” but all I could find were various types of stucco for exterior walls.

Finally, I learned that it was called Venetian Plaster (stucco is a form of venetian plaster).

I started by experimenting on my own walls, which was disastrous. I had to repaint many walls more than once.

At one point, I said, “Okay, I’m going to learn from someone who knows what they’re doing.”

I began looking online and around town for someone who had worked with venetian plaster, but I had no success. Even artists with decades of expertise are unfamiliar with venetian plaster.

It became evident to me that not everyone had been to my cousin Karim’s flat in Lebanon.

I delved harder and ultimately reached out to venetian plaster artisans in Australia and North America. They became my mentors, sharing their skills and guiding me through my path to become a decorative finisher.

I returned to Canada, full of information from my Venetian plaster escapades.

I aimed to transform houses, restaurants, and enterprises into masterpieces. I’m talking about interiors that make you feel goosebumps, especially when you combine lights and music.

Venetian plaster exposed me to additional attractive treatments, like limewash, microcement, and ornamental finishes.

Nowadays, I’m working with some really skilled craftspeople, designers, and clients.

Thank you for accompanying us on this exciting adventure.

Together, we are producing marvels!