A History of English Brickwork. with Examples and Notes of the Architectural Use and Manipulation of Brick from Mediaeval Times to the End of the Georgian Period

First & last few pages somewhat foxed & slightly soiled. Rest of text block & edge slightly foxed & soiled. Tanning throughout text block. Bookseller label on front free endpaper with small tear to top right corner. Previous owner's bookplate on front pastedown. Spine slightly loose. Covers & spine somewhat faded & slightly worn but gilt decorations in good condition. Corners slightly bumped & frayed.; With plates & fold-out diagrams. Gilt to top edge of text block.; 31.5 x 26.5 x 4.3 cms; xv, 449bv, pages; A History of English Brickwork: With Examples and Notes of the Architectural Use and Manipulation of Brick from Mediaeval Times to the End of the Georgian Period by Nathaniel Lloyd is a detailed and richly illustrated study of the evolution of brick in English architecture, spanning from the early 14th century through to the early 19th century. Introduced by Edwin Lutyens, the book blends architectural history with technical expertise, presenting brickwork not merely as construction material but as an expressive and historically significant element of English design. Lloyd begins with the medieval period, examining the early use of brick in both religious and secular buildings. He highlights features such as diaper patterns and combinations of brick and flint, as seen in structures like Abbot Penny’s Wall. As the book progresses through time, it explores the development of more formal brick bonds—like English and Flemish bond—and how these were manipulated for both strength and decoration. Particularly in the Georgian period, the use of glazed headers and decorative bonding patterns became markers of style and status. The book also discusses the major influence of 18th-century building legislation, especially the Building Act of 1774, which enforced the use of fire-resistant brickwork. This law led to more standardised façades, recessed windows, and a class-based system for residential architecture that contributed to the recognisable order and refinement of Georgian urban streetscapes. Lloyd devotes attention to the practical aspects of brick production and craftsmanship, including the properties of regional materials, brick cutting techniques, and bonding methods. He explains the qualities of different types of bricks, such as the well-known London stocks, and describes methods of damp-proofing and structural stability. Throughout, the book is densely illustrated with hundreds of plates, drawings, and photographs that document styles, patterns, construction details, and full architectural elevations. These visual materials reinforce Lloyd’s text, making the book a vital reference for anyone studying or working with historic brick buildings. In essence, this work is both a technical manual and a cultural history, illuminating how the humble brick helped shape England’s built environment. It remains a foundational reference for architects, masons, conservationists, and historians interested in the craftsmanship and evolution of English architecture. Original cloth with gilt decorations.…