ERA, in cooperation with Historic Restoration Inc., hosted one- and two-day workshops for Heritage Professionals and Masons, titled Lime Mortars for Traditionally Constructed Brickwork, lead by Dr. Gerard Lynch. The workshops, held at the Evergreen Brick Works, included both theoretical and practical components, and covered such topics as; binders in historic mortar, historic forms of joining and pointing, re-pointing historic brickwork including colour washing, and tuck pointing.
Dr. Lynch is an internationally acclaimed and highly respected historic brickwork consultant, master bricklayer, educator and author. He is considered the world’s leading authority of gauge brickwork, and affectionately known by the historic term ‘The Red Mason.”
As quoted in a Toronto Star article covering the workshop, Dr. Lynch explained:
“We were taught to work in two worlds,” says Lynch, 56, whose five-year apprenticeship started at age 17. “We had to work reasonably fast to build modern houses and factories, so we could earn our boss money.
“But we were also taught how to do traditional craft skills. I am proud of doing what I can to pass on those skills. I hope that I will be a pebble in a pond that will radiate out.”
A number of ERAers were able to attend the course, and spoke very highly of the inspiring, practical training.
