Re: Re: Brick

Two options are being explored in this instance. The first, seen above and below, is the wholesale repair of the brick through the removal of cement pointing and the application of red ‘stopping’ mortar around the edges, as is typical, but also the apparent addition of a ‘sacrificial’ layer of red mortar to the entire surface of the brick, to compensate for spalled surfaces and to unify tone across the façade.

The second option uses the same practice with the exception of the complete covering of the brick surface, enabling a more honest expression of the original fabric – allebeit uncleaned and somewhat half-heartedly executed.

Of course, the central question to be asked is if this façade should be tuck pointed at all. It is entirely likely that of these 1750s Clare Street houses were wigged originally, and not English tuck pointed as is proposed above. Unfortunately, Clare Street is renowned as playing host to arguably the most butchered terrace in Dublin when it comes to original brick finishes, so not a single house now gives a clue to the naked eye as to what the original pointing types along here once were.

A parade of 20th century botch jobs.

Two houses have 1940s-type replacement brick.

While the Dublin Chamber of Commerce presents a 1970s delight.

1980s brickwork further up.

Remarkably in this case, the original late 18th century windows survived the ravages of change all around it. This is the only case of this I know of in Dublin. Extraordinary.