Please download the Article Written by Dr. G. Lynch below.
For several years, a small but increasing number of people have become concerned about a universal methodology for repairing masonry walls by pointing where there is clear evidence of more sophisticated aesthetic. That group has come together to further explore the relationship between the presentational values of architecture and the functionality of surface treatments. We are called the Lime Finishes Group. Recent works in Scotland have demonstrated that the temporal and spatial extent of lime finishes extended from the 12th to late 17th century when the introduction of bare stone arrives – what many call ashlar, though the term is contested.
Throughout the 18th century bare stone becomes the dominant aesthetic and with it a variety of pointing styles, sixteen in total. Missing from the study was the now universal method of applying lime mortar to the joint, slightly recessing it and exposing the aggregates by tapping repeatedly with a stiff brush: what Dr Gerard Lynch calls ‘The Heritage Joint’.
Gerard was contacted by Dr Tim Meek, Research Associate at the University of Stirling on behalf of the Lime Finishes Group to deliver one of a series of online talks about general misunderstandings in the terminology of English Brickwork and how this has led to confusion in repair strategies. With a deep underpinning knowledge of the craft and history of brickwork and its associated materials and methodologies, Gerard, in fine detail, illustrated the difference between Gauged (best), Common (good) and Rough work (quality but understood to be coated). He also highlighted how we live in an age that values the rustic over the detailed finesse of a skilled bricklayer, what he called ‘the dignity of the craft’.
This shift in priorities has had disastrous consequences for the presentation of historic brickwork. For example, bricks once flush pointed, lined out with an incision into the fresh mortar, subsequently coated with a red ochre [‘raddle’]wash and finally that incision skilfully highlighted with a white line.
Gerard defines this as ‘pencilled work’, work that presented the ambitions of those who commissioned such work and the intangible heritage of those bricklayers who undertook it. When ‘conserved’ by the ubiquitous use of the heritage joint the dignity of the craft disappears and what remains are bricks seemingly floating in a sea of mortar.
Members of Lime Finishes Group valued the seaming ease with which Gerard conveyed his world class knowledge base combined with his consummate craft skills: all delivered with passion and vitality.
More recently Gerard presented a concise and key paper to an international audience during a Historic Environment Scotland/Lime Finishes Group Summit at Stirling, Scotland on the 2nd of September 2024. His craft, deep understanding of the history and development of brickwork shone through but more than this was his kindness and clarity, particularly to younger people at the start of their careers.
Following his presentations, Linkedin and other social media have been filled with tremendous positivity, so on behalf of the LFG I thank you.
Dr Tim Meek. The University of Stirling. 22nd November 2023
Above : Gerard presenting his lecture, ‘Pointing in the Right Direction’ at the ‘Making the Point' Conference, Engine Shed, Historic Scotland, Stirling, Scotland. Organised and run by Dr. Tim Meek. (Photography - T.Meek)
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