Bricks and Brickwork in Reading: Patterns and polychromy

The geology of the Thames Valley does not provide good building stone, so the towns are made mainly of local brick. Reading is rewarding for brick fans due to the variety of colors and inventive patterns. Bricks and Brickwork in Reading provides information on bonding, the 100-year story of a successful Victorian brick maker, Alfred Waterhouse, and air bricks and crinkle-crankle walls. A walking tour allows readers to see the more notable examples of Reading's brickwork.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2020
Publisher: Two Rivers Press

The geology of the Thames Valley presents limited opportunities for sourcing high-quality building stone, resulting in the construction of towns primarily using local brick. For those with a fascination for bricks, Reading offers a particularly delightful experience. The city's diverse range of brick colors and the imaginative patterns cherished by Victorian bricklayers make it a paradise for brick enthusiasts. Throughout the book, illustrated with photographs of surviving examples, Bricks and Brickwork in Reading takes a back-to-basics approach, delving into the fundamentals of bonding. It traces the remarkable 100-year journey of a successful Victorian brick maker, pays homage to the architectural legacy of Alfred Waterhouse, and revels in the charm of air bricks and crinkle-crankle walls. Additionally, a walking tour is included to allow readers to explore and appreciate the most notable examples of Reading's brickwork firsthand.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 200 x 199 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909747425