There is a divergence of opinion among historians as to when
the practice of tuckpointing began. Most experts believe its origination began concomitant
with the abandonment of mercantilism in England in the eighteenth century. As
the nation adopted free trade practices, the standard of living grew
exponentially, and the construction industry boomed. Other historians believe
the art was already extant in northern mainland Europe in such countries as
France and the Netherlands, and the British adopted its usage during the influx
of immigrant brick workers beginning in the mid to late 1700’s. To compare and
contrast two interesting, but slightly diverse views, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuckpointing
and
The term tuckpointing originally meant something completely
different than the way it is used in 21st century United States, although its
original meaning is still used in Great Britain. Initially tuckpointing was
meant to correct both deteriorating brick and mortar and create sharp lines
with varying dyes in order to make the repaired surfaces look like new
brickwork. Brick repair artisans in the United States eventually began using
the term to describe the removal and replacement of deteriorating mortar
between bricks with mortar of the same chemical composition, color, texture,
plasticity and compressive strength. For a contemporary view by a tuckpointing
specialist, see: http://www.caseythebolt.net/
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