period bricks

[mattice]

Hi all,

I wonder if someone can help. I"d like to match some bricks and in order to start my down select I'm trying to do some research to understand what terminology/spec to use!

I think our existing bricks are known as soft reds, around 250 years old. The measurements don't seem to match "standard" imperial sizes although it's difficult to be accurate 8 3/4" x 4 1/4" x 2 1/2".

I'm replacing some seriously spoiled bricks but also an abutting dwarf wall. Are there any good sources in the midlands?

Thanks.

 

[Zebra]

The only thing I can think to suggest is doing a search on Salvoweb.
http://www.salvoweb.com/forsale.html

 

[bennoa1]

I've got many from Coventry demolition, near Coventry airport as they have a reasonable selection of old bricks at sensible prices. To be honest its a minefield and you need to check out salvage yards to find something that will work for you as they are so many variants. We have a mix of brick sizes as bits were added over the years, which makes the task even more of a nightmare.
The original bricks are very heavy with stones in and don't absorb water too quickly but some we have used as replacements do but look very similar. Do you have a picture of the external and maybe the inside?
Not sure where in Worcestershire you are but here's a few to try:
http://www.yell.com/s/salvage+and+reclamation-worcester.html
http://www.winchcombereclamation.co.uk/contact-us#.VYv0cHmD5Ms
http://www.bing.com/local?lid=YN1115x247459567&id=YN1115x247459567&q=Worcester+Reclamation+Worcester+Hereford+And+Worcester&cp=52.15639~-2.167947 (not sure if this is still there as there is no web site anymore)
http://www.englishsalvage.co.uk/
http://www.cotswoldreclamation.com/
http://www.salvo.co.uk/herefordworcs/antique-and-reclaimed-materials/reclamation-yards/directory.html

 

[Mickey]

Hi,

I can second Coventry Demolition in Ryton, we used to live near there and went to them several times and sourced reclaimed bricks from them for a wall repair. Very friendly service and they were happy for us to look through stock and pick out those that best matched our brick. A second too for their reasonable prices.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

cheers
Mickey

 

[mattice]

Thanks all, I'm now fully expecting to return with a boot load of anything but bricks, which usually happens when visiting such places

 

[plasticpigeon]

It might e possible to get them made. There was a post on here not so long ago by a restoration hero who employed a brickmaker who came to their property. I'm sorry I can't remember which memeber, but hopefully they will pop up and enlighten us!

 

[TheForge]

We're in the process of hand making 2000 bricks to replace a forge hearth/stack. We've been working with master brick maker Tony Mugridge http://www.ajmugridge.co.uk and will be firing the bricks in a traditional clamp at the end of the month.

You can certainly get replacements made but they might not be suitably aged to match your existing, although you can get paint on ageing dyes to give a closer match. There are quite a few companies hand making bricks - Bulmer Brick & Tile, York Handmade to name but a few.

New handmade bricks can be pricey though, especially for a small number.

The dimensions you quoted aren't far off the 1571 statute size so should be easy to find. To make replacements it's just a case of having the right size mould, suitable clay and a means to fire them to the correct temperature.

Alternatively if you wanted to come to our brick firing we'll put a few additional ones in for you at your size!

 

[mattice]

Thanks all, I'm still hopeful of finding some to match. I found some "Warwickshire" handmade bricks of same dimension and texture at the weekend, but now they have dried after a good wash they are a little pale. Just remembered that I have a window filled in (in last 30 years or so) with perfectly matching bricks, only noticeable because they used cement So I'm hopeful some exist somewhere near by!

Here are the bricks in question. Not sure why I'm bothering with measurements. I need 200, and my house is already abused with mismatching bricks, so new bespoke handmade may be a step too far, but I'd like to make some effort to match if you follow my logic?

 

[xanthe]

You can buy brick dye. Just water it down a lot and paint on layers till you get the right shade.

 

[DJH]

Drove past your place Forge a few weeks ago after a funeral in Ilminster...was tempted to call in. Didn't care much for the colour of the car parked outside though...didn't look very period to me. :lol:

How did the cricket match go for Sean?

Doug

 

[TheForge]

You should have dropped in. You'll have seen the jungle of the front garden as well! You can hardly see the forge, a job for the weekend!

Sean's match went really well I believe, I couldn't go as I was working but Purnell's brought down a team made up mostly of those who were playing on the day it happened. I'd imagine it must have been an emotional day.

 

[mattice]

Quick update - Success. Struggled with the reclamation yards, most looked a bit too soft and crumbly. We found a place called imperial bricks who make old spec to F2 standard. I have to say, they were incredibly helpful, interpreted our photo's and delivered an almost perfect match from their standard range for £0.90 per brick, half the price of the rec yards. Just need to find a bricky now

 

[mattice]

mmmm slightly over ordered, now got 100 spare bricks in worcestershire if anyone is interested? Nice bricks but don't half suck up the juice :shock: