The past informs the present, the present informs the past - Caroline Nicolay - BS120

Caroline Nicolay discusses natural building and archaeology. We explore ancient techniques like mineral pigments and casein paints, debunking stereotypes of primitive living. Caroline shares her experiential archaeology journey, transitioning from historical food research to pigments in prehistory.

We delve into ancient paint usage, lime in construction and making paint from natural materials like clay and minerals. The conversation touches on tempera paint, historical recipes using dairy products, and making paint from cheese curds and chalk powder. We discuss the durability of ancient paints and the importance of practicality in historical building practices.

The episode highlights modern innovations in clay plastering techniques and the speaker's journey into earth building. Caroline aims to connect archaeologists, open-air museums, and natural builders to showcase shared interests in sustainable practices.

Episode Links

• BOOK - Sally Coulthard - A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects - https://tinyurl.com/bdh7rn2f
• Caroline's website - https://www.pariogallico.com/
• Clayfest - https://www.ebuki.co/events/clayfest-2024
• Tammy Hodekiss - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRPYS4LuKjg
• BOOK - The Natural Paint Book - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Natural_Paint_Book.html?id=rwkprjb5r3oC&redir_esc=y
• Casein paint recipe - https://naturalearthpaint.com/blogrecipe-natural-casein-paint/
• How to make Casein - https://www.ehow.com/how_8474158_make-casein-glue.html
• Becky Little - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/
• Becky Little Building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/mud-the-ultimate-building-material-becky-little/
• Daniel Postma - https://www.archaeobuild.com/en/
• Daniel Postma building Sustainability Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/
• Scottish Crannog Centre - https://crannog.co.uk/

Connect with me:

IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder

Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Support the show and get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.