Message from the Founder, Dean

My name is Dean, known as the Traditional Bricklayer. As a proud craftsman with a traditional mindset, I strive daily to uphold the values of quality, honesty, and integrity. Your passion for this craft has brought you here, among other like-minded individuals.

Over the years, revolutions and recessions have transformed many trades. Digital and mechanical advancements have impacted industries, diminishing the value of manual skills. Many have attempted to master bricklaying, but it remains a trade conquered only by those who embrace the grit and precision of a Brades Sheffield steel 9’’ trowel.

Bricklaying is in my blood, with a lineage tracing back to 1731. My family, including 15 bricklayers, led teams across London, building everything from guest houses to schools. Born and raised in Canning Town, I inherited this rich heritage and knowledge, learning from a young age the importance of materials, tools, and techniques.

To excel in heritage and bricklaying restoration, one must understand the terminology, the reasons behind methods, and the aesthetic and structural principles. Whether working with lime mortar and London stock bricks or using slate for damp proofing, the trade demands manual skill, knowledge, and expertise.

Our land is a vast art gallery of extraordinary buildings, boasting remarkable brickwork detail. As a bricklayer, I work daily on projects ranging from Grade 1 listed buildings to recreating Victorian details on new builds. My work includes constructing intricate chimney stacks, corbelling, dragon scales, and turning Roman arches.

My education extended beyond bricklaying to architecture. My grandfathers taught me that leadership is about action, not just a role. To lead, I had to master various bonds like Flemish and English, and understand the intricacies of broken bond measurements, structure, and brickwork details from different eras.

The Georgian era’s imposing towers and chimneys gave way to the Victorian era’s larger windows and more modest designs. Unfortunately, the value and skill of bricklaying seem to be diminishing. Apprenticeships have shortened, and new builds lack detail, often relying on prefabricated elements.

The changing times have impacted quality and speed. Where bricklayers once crafted Roman arches with basic tools, now many take longer and produce lower quality work despite advanced tools. This trend towards prefabrication may save time and money, but it raises concerns about the future of craftsmanship.

I worry about the future of bricklaying. Our heritage buildings need skilled restoration to endure another 150 years. To address this, we must start at the top. Educators should combine heritage and modern techniques in bricklaying courses, allowing learners to specialize. This approach will produce more skilled bricklayers who can become specialists in heritage restoration.

As for me, I will continue restoring twisted stacks, repairing Flemish bond walls, recreating Victorian details, and passing on this heritage craft. One of my apprentices is my son, Sammy, who is in his third year. We owe much to our heritage brothers, and it’s up to us to ensure the next generation upholds these standards.

God bless,

Dean Neil
The Traditional Bricklayer
Work Hard or Starve Society