Over the years I ’ ve seen firsthand hand as we change generations , a bricklayer could turn a Roman arch in good timings with good quality with nothing more than a trowel , hammer , and bolster . which was made in the factory and transported to the site in 2 halves .
Who ’ s to blame , the new generational architect or the lack of skill of the bricklayer ?
Over the years I ’ ve seen firsthand hand as we change generations , a bricklayer could turn a Roman arch in good timings with good quality with nothing more than a trowel , hammer , and bolster .
Now it seems most produce in longer timings and produce lesser quality even though using engine cutters . So where time is money and money is time I can understand why details are made , fabricated and delivered .
But let us not stray away from the truth of the craftsman . Are the new generation being taught correctly ? Are they investing in themselves to learn , practice , and execute such tasks with excellence , or too busy posting on social media platforms ?
I ’ m concerned and worried about the future of bricklaying . Our heritage needs attention so the buildings can go on to tell another 150-year-old story but we must have the quality and understanding to perform such restoration / rebuild tasks .
To correct this we must start at the top , teach the teachers works in heritage , combine the bricklaying course with part heritage and new build , and give the learner a chance to select which area he or she wishes to excel in .
This will produce more bricklayers , who in time as experience is gained , will become brickwork specialists in heritage .
As for me , I will continue rebuilding twisted brickwork stacks , repairing Flemish bond walls , recreating Victorian details and restoring builds of heritage , and passing on the heritage poem of bricklaying to those in pursuit of bladed greatness . One of these is my son Sammy , who is on year 3 of his apprenticeship with myself .
We owe so much to so few of our heritage brothers so let ’ s make sure the next generation owes to the stand of the bricklayers today .
God bless
D . Neil The Traditional bricklayer Work hard or starve .
www . refurbandrestore . co . uk - 45