Scotland has long been perceived to be a country built of stone. Yet, recent research shows brick and other clay products like terra cotta, faience and tiles have contributed significantly to our historic built environment.
Scotland has long been perceived to be a country built of stone. Yet, recent research shows brick and other clay products like terra cotta, faience and tiles have contributed significantly to our historic built environment.
The three morning talks will explore how fired earth products have contributed to Scotland’s buildings for centuries and how these materials can be repaired and conserved.
The sessions begin with a broad overview of brick clay products, their material characteristics and the development of industrial production in the 19th century. We will then discuss how bricks and tiles were used in a range of Scottish buildings, their physical properties and variable abilities to withstand weathering and decay processes.
We will consider the repair process stages, review traditional and current repair, restoration and cleaning techniques, and discuss sustainable sourcing of replacement materials.
For those who cannot join us in person, a virtual ticket is also available.
Learning outcomes
You will:
- Discover how fired earth products such as brick, terra cotta and clay tiles were used in a wide range of traditional Scottish buildings over many centuries.
- Understand the basic principles and techniques underpinning best practice in repair and conservation of traditional brickwork.
- Understand the challenges of repairing and conserving historic wall and floor tiles, including mosaics.
Speakers
- Dr Moses Jenkins, Sector Skills Manager, Historic Environment Scotland
- Darren McLean, Conservation practitioner and Cardiff University lecturer