About this course:

This four-day professional development workshop is suitable for experienced heritage bricklayers with an interest in developing their knowledge and skill in traditional craft of tuck pointing.  The sessions will cover making a Frenchman Tool, the methods and materials for colour washing the brickwork, applying the stopping, and creating finish with the putty ribbon. There will be practical opportunities to ‘have a go’ and develop your own skill at each stage of the process. By the end of the course you will have created several panels of Tuck Pointed brickwork

Registration: 8.45am

Session 1: 9am – 12.30pm

Lunch: 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Session 2: 1.30pm – 4.00pm

About the tutor:

Charles Reilly is a highly experienced craftsman with a passion for repairing heritage brick buildings. As the managing director of Georgian Brickwork Charles leads a small team of specialist bricklayers in Kent. Georgian Brickwork focuses on using traditional methods and materials to repair and restore listed and period properties. Charles started developing his training programme in 2016 to ensure that his knowledge and skills are passed on to the next generation of bricklayers.

Who is this course for?

This course is for experienced Bricklayers who are used to working with Lime Mortar and want to find out more about the advanced skill of Tuck Pointing.

If you are an experienced bricklayer but are unfamiliar with using Lime we recommend you first book a place on the one day course Understanding and Using Lime Mortar GBB1. If you would like to book both courses to run back-to-back over five days please contact the office to discuss possible dates.

If you are not a Bricklayer but you are interested in finding out more about the traditional skill of Tuck Pointing please book a place on Traditional Tuck Pointing GB2

How will I be taught?

The course is informal, and learning takes place through discussion, observation, locality tours, and practical opportunities to ‘have a go’. The focus will be on sharing knowledge and developing practical skills. Charles gives individual guided support during the practical sessions. Courses for bricklayers have a maximum of 2/3 students to ensure time for answering individual questions, discussing common problems and sharing tips.

What do I need to bring with me?

We provide

• All tools and training materials
• Tea & Coffee
• H&S equipment such as safety goggles and gloves -but you may bring your own if you prefer.

You need to

• Wear practical comfortable clothes
• Wear protective footwear
• Bring a notepad and pen -if you want to make notes
• Lunch is available to buy from one of The Historic Dockyard eateries. Or you can bring your own lunch and there are outdoor spaces to eat such as the Commissioner’s Garden or the Tennis Court Lawn. For more information visit https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/food-drink/

Travel and Accommodation

The Georgian Brickwork Professional Development Programme is hosted by Heritage Brickwork Training Ltd located in Unit 6 – Craft Workshop The Historic Dockyard Chatham Kent ME4 4TE.  For information about travel options and parking please visit https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-directions/

There are lots of places to stay nearby, including

Travelodge Chatham Maritime, Western Ave, Chatham ME4 4NT

Premier Inn Chatham Blake Ave Gillingham ME7 1GB