In these modern times, it is a trade that has stood the test of time which is revitalising Echuca-Moama’s distinguished buildings.
Ken Holland is a brick pointer, and apprentice Adam Moutsopoulos, have been busy illustrating their wares across the twin towns.
“The trade originated in England where bricks were handmade, and they were all different shapes and sizes,” Mr Holland said.
“So tuck pointing was created where tradesmen of the time would individually place the mortar in between the handmade bricks to ensure the bricks look true and correct.”
Mr Holland learned his trade in the United Kingdom under the guidance of his father as a 13-year-old.
He emigrated to Australia at the age of 16 and has worked ever since.
“I started off as a solid plasterer, where my father had a company called Holland Homes, so I worked with him and then at 16 we came to Australia,” he said.
“I work in Echuca and Moama and every second week I work down in Melbourne.
“Past projects have included work at Perricoota Station in Moama, that was once a cattle station and now hosts large events such as weddings.”
The two terms can easily be confused, put simply the process of brick pointing and tuck pointing revolve around the maintenance of brick work, where the mortar between the bricks will need periodical work to ensure buildings can withstand extreme weather events and stand for generations.
Mr Holland has worked on a number of culturally significant buildings in his time including the Njernda building located on Hare St.
The time-honoured trade is now being taught to Mr Moutsopoulos.
He has worked on various projects in Melbourne and Echuca while mastering the finer aspects in the job under the guidance of Mr Holland.
“I’ve been working with Ken now for the past year. I’ve really enjoyed my time as the role allows me to work in Echuca-Moama as well as in Melbourne,” Mr Moutsopoulos said.
But many of the projects aren’t limited to brick and tuck pointing where severe cracks occur.
“When you see cracks in the mortar that runs between the bricks, you’ll need to reinforce it with large steel rods and then seal it back up,” Mr Moutsopoulos said.