Anonymous masons, Raised and patterned brick work
late 19th and early 20th century
155 Grand Ave.
336 St. John St.
294 Elm St.
908 Elm St.
There is an anonymity of bricklayers that results from the commonplace of their work. But these particular collaborations of architect and artisan often yield both strangeness and delight.
Just one exemplary survey would take you from the catalog of patterns on a Fair Haven church facade to a stepped chimney, one of a pair, near Wooster Square, then to an art nouveau exercise at the intersection of Elm and Broadway, and lastly, to note the exterior of a fireplace in the Dwight/Edgewood neighborhood, with what might be the image of a monstrance traced upon it.
Stephen Kobasa Photos
Of course, this path does not include the expansive diamonds on the upper courses of the Troup School on Edgewood Avenue or the domesticated detail in the duplex at the corner of Park and George. Why not invent your own map of the albums built into local walls?
great eye for the bricks. i enjoyed this piece. and i wonder about those nameless bricklayers.