Business Details
38 Years
experience
Premium Handmade Bricks for Heritage & Modern Projects
Established in 1988, York Handmade Brick has built a reputation as one of the UK's leading independent manufacturers of premium handmade bricks. Our expertise lies in combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to produce bricks that meet the exacting demands of heritage restoration, contemporary architecture, and bespoke projects. With over three decades of experience, our team of skilled artisans utilises time-honoured techniques alongside state-of-the-art equipment to create products that balance aesthetic appeal with technical performance. We hold ISO9001 certification, reflecting our commitment to quality management systems, and have supplied materials for award-winning projects including the RIBA Stirling Prize-winning Magdalene College Library.Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our quarry-to-lorry control processes and biodiversity conservation efforts at our North Yorkshire site. The company remains family-owned, with founder David Armitage and his son Guy continuing to oversee operations that serve architects, self-builders, and conservationists across the UK and internationally.
Services
Handmade Bricks
Viking Texture Range
Ebor Texture Range
Maxima Linear Bricks
Special Shaped Bricks
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of expertise in handmade brick manufacturing
- Our bespoke blending creates perfect matches for heritage projects
- ISO9001-certified quality control processes
- Sustainable practices across our North Yorkshire quarry operations
- Award-winning team with RIBA Stirling Prize project experience
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
What people say
Texture range
Authenticity
Kerb appeal
Attention to detail
Custom blends
Services
Handmade Bricks
Our core offering combines traditional craftsmanship with modern quality standards. Each brick is individually crafted using time-honoured techniques while meeting contemporary technical requirements for durability and performance. The handmade process allows for unique textures and subtle variations that create visually striking facades. Available in multiple blends and formats, these bricks suit both heritage restoration and modern architectural projects requiring characterful materials.
Viking Texture Range
Inspired by Nordic waterstruck techniques, this range offers a smooth yet characterful finish. The silky texture contrasts with traditional finishes while maintaining the warmth of handmade bricks. Customisable blends allow tailored solutions for projects seeking contemporary elegance with artisanal quality. Ideal for modern developments requiring distinctive materials with proven performance characteristics.
Ebor Texture Range
A refined alternative to rustic textures, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern production methods. The sand-faced finish maintains timeless appeal while offering improved consistency for large-scale projects. Available in multiple sizes with custom colour blending options, this range suits both urban developments and heritage-sensitive schemes requiring subtle sophistication.
Maxima Linear Bricks
Our contemporary linear format breaks traditional dimensional constraints while preserving artisanal quality. The elongated shape creates distinctive horizontal lines ideal for modern facades. Available in three heights with Ebor or Viking textures, these bricks have been specified for high-profile projects including London's 25 Baker Street and Manchester's Circle Square development.
Special Shaped Bricks
We manufacture complex shapes for architectural details and heritage restoration. From barley twist chimney bricks to custom landscaping elements, our skilled team produces intricate forms using traditional methods. Recent projects include vaulted arch wine cellars and bespoke features for Grade-listed buildings requiring precise historical accuracy.
People
David Armitage
Chairman
Fifth-generation brickmaker with over 35 years' industry experience, David founded York Handmade Brick in 1988. He combines traditional knowledge with modern innovation to maintain the company's leadership in premium handmade bricks.
Guy Armitage
Managing Director
Joined the business in 2005, bringing fresh perspectives while upholding family traditions. Guy oversees operations and strategic development, ensuring the company continues to meet evolving architectural demands with handmade excellence.
Steve Pittham
Factory Manager
With 36 years' service, Steve managed production until 2024. His expertise in brickmaking processes ensured consistent quality across all product ranges during the company's most significant expansion period.
Mark Todd
Factory Manager
Current factory manager with extensive experience in clay product manufacturing. Mark oversees production of specialist ranges and implementation of new technologies while maintaining traditional quality standards.
Questions
What makes York Handmade Bricks different from standard bricks?
Our bricks combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, offering unique textures, bespoke colour blending, and special shapes that mass-produced bricks cannot replicate.
Can you match existing brickwork for heritage projects?
Yes, our expert team can pre-mix blends and create special shapes to match existing brickwork, ensuring seamless integration with historic structures.
Do you supply bricks outside the UK?
We regularly supply projects internationally, including recent commissions in Switzerland and across Europe.
What sizes and formats are available?
We offer standard and bespoke sizes, including our Maxima linear format (327x102mm) in 37mm, 50mm, and 65mm heights.
Are your bricks suitable for modern construction methods?
Our bricks meet modern technical specifications while maintaining traditional aesthetics, making them ideal for both contemporary builds and heritage projects.
How can I request samples?
We offer 48-hour sample dispatch – simply contact our team to request samples or visit our website to view available ranges.
