Many houses were artexed in the 70's and 80's and a bit later but these days it is often viewed as being a bit outdated.
Generally the technique is to remove the rough high points in the artex, apply 2 coats of PVA then plaster as normal with two coats of finish plaster.
While Artexc can be removed it is not reccomended since old artex can have asbestos in it. Another technique used (if no coving) is to screw up thin plaster board and skim that. This can be a useful method if the ceiling is badly damaged.
If there is coving sometimes the lip may be reduced with skimming artes but more often than not if the artex was put up proessionally ther ewill be a finger line around the the outskit of the ceiling where the resulting plaster thickness can be reduced.
To discuss your requirements more fully with us please give us a call or drop us an email.