Join a four-day practical workshop for experienced bricklayers to learn the traditional craft of creating gauged brickwork arches. The course runs from 17 to 20 March, 09:00 to 15:30 each day, and focuses on the geometry of an arch, drawing and creating templates, techniques for cutting bricks and choosing appropriate mortar mixes. Sessions combine demonstration, discussion, locality tours and hands-on practice so you can develop confidence in drawing, cutting and building your own gauged arch.
Charles Reilly, managing director of Georgian Brickwork and an experienced heritage craftsman, leads the training and provides individual guided support during practical sessions. Courses for bricklayers are deliberately small, with a maximum of two to three students, ensuring time for one-to-one coaching, troubleshooting and sharing practical tips learned on site.
The workshop is hosted by Heritage Brickwork Training Ltd at Unit 6, Craft Workshop, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE. Bring safety goggles and gloves if you prefer to use your own, and a notepad for notes. Lunch can be bought from The Historic Dockyard eateries or you may bring your own and use outdoor spaces such as the Commissioner’s Garden. This professional development course is ideal for tradespeople wanting to preserve and repair period brickwork using traditional methods.
