Monday-Wednesday 26-28 March 2012, 9.30am to 5pm

The course

A theoretical and practical introductory course designed for practising professionals and home owners concerned with conservation and eager to have a closer knowledge of the high-level craft skills historically associated with the art of cut and rubbed and gauged brickwork.

The course is designed to help the student gain a deeper and more contextual understanding of the art of gauged brickwork; the highest expression of the bricklayer’s craft, by studying its historical development and examining the tools, materials and practical techniques including:

  • Selecting and ‘squaring’ the rubbing bricks
  • Preparing wire blades and bow saw
  • Cutting rubbing bricks to a variety of profiles
  • Preparing the lime putty mortar
  • Setting out and laying an element of gauged work
  • Finishing gauged work


The course will consist of introductory lectures, with slides and then continue with practical sessions supported by course notes.  There will be  opportunities throughout for discussion and questions.

For those who wish to take things further, Advanced Gauged Brickwork runs from 14-16 May 2012.

The tutor

Gerard Lynch LCG, Cert Ed, MA, PhD is an internationally acknowledged Master Craftsman and historic brickwork consultant in the field of brickwork and mortars and their historical conservation. The combination of his knowledge, practical and technical skills in the use of traditional methods and materials are outstanding.

He is the author of Gauged Brickwork: A Technical Handbook, Brickwork: History, Technology and Practice and The History of Gauged Brickwork.

Participant information

The course will be limited to 6 people.  Participants should wear overalls or aprons, and stout boots, and bring a notebook and pen.  All tools and equipment will be supplied, although participants are welcome to bring along any appropriate tools of their own.

Fee

£350 per person, to include tuition, teas and coffees and a light lunch.

This course is supported by Singleton Birch

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.