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Dr Gerard C J Lynch, LCG, Cert Ed, MA (Dist), PhD " In a field where materials and skills are scarce, but increasingly in demand, Gerard Lynch is a key personality and has a major role to play in reviving a building craft which created a significant part of English architecture" Professor John Ashurst, D Arch,RIBA, EASA (Hon) (1990)
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Craft Education and Training - The dilemma |
An overview of the historical background to English Gauged Brickwork
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF GAUGED WORK:
INFLUENTIAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPING GAUGED WORK IN 17TH CENTURY
Royal Observatory Greenwich 1670's, Kings Bench Walk 1670's ARTISANS MANNERIST STYLE This centred on the Master Bricklayers/masons drawing inspiration from the vigorous forms of Netherlandish Classicism available in pattern books mainly out of Antwerp. ‘Mannerist’ because of liberties it took with Classical rules. Movement greatly influenced by Nicholas Stone the Elder (1586 -1647) - worked in Amsterdam from 1607 -1613. Strong possibly may have worked on Houghton House, Ampthill, Bedfordshire. EXAMPLES OF ‘ARTISAN/MANNERIST STYLES: Kew Palace ‘Dutch House’ 1630. For Samuel Fortrey a wealthy Dutch merchant; often given as first property to use gauged work in England. Not true. Brick work is not really gauged but more the gradual transitional phase from Tudor 'cut and rubbed' to the refined Classical use of Cromwell House, Highgate, London C.1637 Tyttenhanger Park, St. Albans, Herts, C.1655. Master Bricklayer and Artisan Architect attributed these houses and the ‘Mannerist movement - Peter Mills (1598 1670) INTERREGNUM - ROYAL COURT MOVES TO FRANCE AND HOLLAND - ARCHITECTURAL AND CRAFT INFLUENCES. Restoration of King Charles II - 1660 1666 - Great Fire Of London - Sir Christopher Wren, Sir Hugh May, Sir Roger Pratt (1620 -85), Dr Robert Hooke (1635 -1703). Refined gauged work directly under Dutch influence reaches the zenith of its development. Wren’s master bricklayers , Edward Helder (d1683) & Morris Emmett (1646 -1694)
AFTER 1730s DECLINE IN EXTENSIVE USE OF GAUGED WORK ESPECIALLY FOR COMPLETE FACADES DUE TO: Cost Changing architectural taste Stucco Stone Brick tiles (mathematical tiles) Speed of construction GAUGED WORK RESERVED FOR ARCHES, APRONS, CORNICING AND DRESSINGS. 1870's revival of Dutch style of 17th century due to the influence of 'Arts and Crafts Movement' and in turn revival of use of gauged brickwork became prolific. Due to: c, such as Fareham Reds and TLB's etc. PROMINENT ARCHITECTS:
DECLINE OF GAUGED WORK FROM EDWARDIAN ERA DUE TO: 1914 -1918 Great War 36,000 bricklayers 1921 - 92,000 before the war Decline of the large house Handmade bricks becoming increasingly expensive, particularly rubbing bricks Labour costs - gauged work labour intensive Reduction in period of apprenticeship from seven to five years. On- going decline in Traditional hand making yard, in the face of mechanised production
Demand for quick and cheap houses to rebuild blitzed cities and rapidly growing population Loss of more skilled men in war Influx of government short-trained bricklayers 1960's housing styles basic - no enrichments Further reduction in period of apprenticeship from 5 to 3 years, loss of gauged work Unskilled operatives being allowed to practice craft. NEED FOR THE REVIVAL IN THE SKILL OF GAUGED WORK Identified in 1980's by Gerard C J Lynch as needed for: Restoration and renovation of traditional constructed properties - many of national importance. Revival in use of architectural enrichments on modern brick properties. Raising skill levels of the craft of bricklaying - dealt a severe blow with the advent of NVQ modular training, decline of apprenticeships and time-serving. Promoting increase in range of moderately costed rubbing bricks - present costs prohibit wide-spread use. © G C J Lynch
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