Gainsborough’s House Wins Prestigious International Brick in Architecture Award
Honouring Local Skills and Community Collaboration in the Revitalisation of Thomas Gainsborough’s Birthplace
Gainsborough’s House is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Best in Class in the International category at the 2024 Brick in Architecture Awards. This esteemed accolade not only celebrates the museum & gallery’s commitment to architectural excellence but also shines a spotlight on the outstanding craftsmanship and community collaboration that made the project possible.
The Brick in Architecture Awards, now in their 35th year, celebrate outstanding brick architecture from around the world. This year’s competition featured projects from the United States, Canada, China, Britain, Mexico, and Russia, judged by a jury of peers. The awards highlight brick’s versatility in creating inspired, sustainable designs that achieve diverse aesthetics.
Central to this achievement is the partnership with Bulmer Brick and Tile Company, a traditional brickmaking firm based near Sudbury. Their handmade bricks, crafted from locally sourced Eocene clay, were integral to the restoration, ensuring authenticity and a deep connection to the region’s cultural heritage. This recognition places both Gainsborough’s House and Sudbury’s historic craftsmanship firmly on the international stage, demonstrating the enduring value of traditional skills in contemporary design.
The project’s impact extends beyond its architecture. Through the ‘Buy a Brick’ fundraising initiative, members of the public were able to contribute directly to the restoration by sponsoring individual bricks, reinforcing the community’s shared commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
A particularly poignant element of the project is the inclusion of carved bricks created by prisoners from HMP Hollesley Bay as part of an outreach programme led by artist Anna Hennings. Participants were invited to hand-carve their own designs into bricks that now form part of the crinkle-crankle wall in the museum’s courtyard garden. This initiative not only provided a unique creative opportunity for the prisoners but also reinforced the power of craftsmanship as a means of connection and rehabilitation.
Managing Director of Bulmer Brick and Tile, Tony Minter says:
Bulmer Brick and Tile are very proud to have been the brick supplier for this small but nationally important gallery. It is very rewarding to be involved in local projects as well as working on historic buildings further afield.
Gainsborough’s House invites visitors from near and far to experience the beautifully restored galleries and learn about the life and works of Thomas Gainsborough. The institution stands as a shining example of how local dedication and collaboration can achieve excellence in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
