LimeMortar.com
Title
Brickwork Conservation, building conservation, Stone Repair, and Lime Mortar/Plaster work by Andy Mann
Description
My career in bricklaying began in 1978. I chose not to go down the road of modern house building, where the big money was, instead I preferred to work in restoration, renovation, and conversion. Sadly, in those days, little was known about building conservation or traditional lime mortars, and few people even cared. I decided one day to take stock of my situation, and where I was aiming to go. I was tired of modern building practices, and had absolutely no interest in them whatsoever. I knew that if I were to remain in the building trade it would be in conservation work only, using traditional methods and materials. So here I am.
My early work in London, while not strictly conservation, gave me an excellent grounding into how these old buildings work. I soon came to realise that these old buildings were in fact "living", "breathing" structures, not just inanimate cubes of concrete. Like all living things they require tender love and care if they are to survive.
During my time in building conservation, I have worked on buildings ranging from about 100 to 900 years old. Much of my work, and the work I enjoy most, is Medieval. This was the time before any brickwork bonds, as we know them now, were established in Britain. It was the Dutch who actually taught us to lay bricks properly in the 1700's, bringing their bricks to this country as ballast in their ships. Prior to this we just laid our bricks in a "random" bond. I have studied the theory and fascinating history of brickwork, and it has become a great passion of mine.
Languages
English
