Pieces of the Past
Austin, Kirk and Co. red brick
Red brick, Christchurch, 19th century.
This fabulous brick was used in the walls of the building at 211 Oxford Terrace. This building was built in 1876 as part of the ‘new’ Christchurch city fire station – serving as the accommodation barracks for the firefighters. The building was designed by city surveyor Charles Walkden.
The A&K maker's mark was used by Austin Kirk and Co., c.1869–c.1885. The brick is handmade, probably using a pallet mould, and has not been pressed.
In 1902 Christchurch brick moulders could expect to be paid around 7/6d per thousand bricks, while bricklayers were paid about 3/9d per thousand bricks set.
Makes me tingle all over!
Matthew Hennessey, 2015.
Archaeologist; resident Star Wars and brick specialist.
