Historical & Geological Context

Named after Saint John's Day (midsummer, when brickmaking began in the fields), the Brique Saint-Jean is a narrow, long clay brick fired in wood-fired kilns in French Flanders and Artois. Its deep crimson and orange shades with purple wood-ash glaze were favored for grand brick-and-stone (brique et pierre) châteaux.

Petrographic & Geological Characteristics

Northern French kiln-fired brick (210–220 × 100–105 × 50–55 mm), dense red-purple hue.

Lime Mortar & Breathability Compatibility

Lime-sand mortar with chalk dust; preserve breathability through thin joints (5-8 mm).

Provenance & Historical Sourcing

Nord-Pas-de-Calais and French Flanders.

Condition Report & Patina

Hand-sorted from historic demolitions; highly compatible with lime mortars.

Ref: MAT-REF-013Reference Monograph

Brique Saint-Jean du Nord

Hauts-de-France, France (FR)

Catalogue StatusEducational & Conservation Dossier

Non-commercial reference. Not sold or brokered by Le Cercle du Roi.

Historical Era16th to 18th century

Standard Dimensions / CutsTraditional format 210–220 × 105–110 × 40–50 mm

Reference Body / QuarryTuilerie et Briqueterie Traditionnelle du Nord

FrameworkCurated Educational Dossier

Editorial & Conservation Notice

This material dossier is compiled from public geological surveys, heritage conservation research (BRGM, CTMNC, Historic England, Monumentenwacht), and historical treatises. Inclusion does not constitute a sales offer by Le Cercle du Roi.