Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
of the brickwork surrounding our remedial works on the different parts of the
building. All existing brickwork to be built on or against was brushed clean of
dust and well dampened, using a sprayer. The bricks to be laid were also damp-
ened the same way to reduce porosity, allow it to be bedded and adjusted and
improve bonding characteristics. Each brick was laid to line, level, gauge and
to neatly run on from the previous moulding, on a full bed of mortar with fully
filled cross-joints. The specified joint finish was for the mortar to be cut back
from the arris and then stippled with the 'Churn Brush' to create an exposed
aggregate and pleasantly weathered appearance. Timing is essential with this
joint, so that the brickwork was not stained by lime, and was dependent on the
weather. On a warm sunny day one would finish the joints later in the after-
noon, once the mortar had 'hazelled off' or stiffened, while with dull, damp
and cool weather this would be done the next day. The brickwork was pro-
tected from drying out too quickly and aid curing of the lime mortar by cover-
ing with damp hessian sacking, and polythene sheeting was used if the weather
became inclement.
As someone who spent many years working as both a bricklayer and a fixer-
mason, I am in no doubt we need to ensure that the future craftsmen and
women come out of their period of training fully-equipped with the know-
ledge and skills of traditional and modern building practices. Sadly the recent
trend for modular college-based training to provide for modern site needs
rather than time-served fully rounded apprenticeships, on-site with additional
college education, is not helping this situation. Neither is the move away from
companies and organisations directly employing a well-trained and qualified
workforce, who are given the time to do their work properly, for the increasing
use of sub-contracted labour. All old buildings, not necessarily a listed build-
ing like Kirby Muxloe Castle, that require repair or restoration, demand that
those working on them possess knowledge of the historic materials, tools and
equipment, and the skills of how to use them, so that work can be executed
sympathetically to the original. We not only should pass on these old buildings
to future generations in a good state of repair, but also our historic crafts; for
both are part of our nation's heritage.
Case Study: Traditional Forging and Sharpening
of Brick Axes
By Jay T. Close, Professor of Architectural Metal, American College of
the Building Arts, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Overall, I think the world of reproducing period tools with period materials and
techniques and then putting the products to use 'in the field' is wide open. I
know from experience that modern woodworker's may stress their tools beyond
