Brick Repointing and Repair

April 7-11, 2008 – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily

Class Location: 1 West Duval Street Jackson Ward National Historic Landmark District

Instructor: Warren Davies
Davies Masonry and Restoration

Class Project and Scope: The objective of this class is to instruct masons in the basics of working with deteriorated masonry. The historic house at 1 West Duval Street that will be the focus of the class is an early 20th century Colonial Revival townhouse. The building has suffered from years of neglect from previous owners and the current owner, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, is developing long-term plans for rehabilitation. Skills that will be taught in the class include:

• Working with lime mortars
• Joint cleaning and preparation
• Needling and bracing unstable masonry
• Repointing common brick
• Working with pressed brick.

Cost: Complete scholarships are provided to persons working in construction as masons, laborers, or apprentices. The cost of the class is $500 to all others. The cost of the class is generously being underwritten by a grant from the Historic Jackson Ward Association and donated services and materials from Davies Masonry and Restoration.

Students: The class is limited to 6 students. Each student must have demonstrated experience and knowledge in working with brick masonry. Students must provide safety shoes and glasses, work gloves, and suitable work clothes. Each participant must provide their own brick trowel, brick hammer, and masons’ brush. Residents of Jackson Ward are encouraged to apply.

Applications: Student selections will be prioritized on the basis of the experience, enthusiasm, and career goals. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on March 31, 2008. Call 804-386-9516, e-mail ttylerpotterfield@gmail.com, or write the Pythagoras School at 312 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, Va 23220 to obtain an application or for more information.