A Scottish collector with over 4,000 bricks in his possession is on the lookout for a museum to house his unique and extensive collection. Mark Cranston, aged 62, embarked on this peculiar hobby around fifteen years ago when he was searching for a brick to use as a doorstop for his garden shed. His journey began with the discovery of a white painted brick from an old colliery, sparking his interest in the history of bricks.
Over the past fourteen years, Mark has diligently gathered bricks from various locations in Scotland, England, Wales, and even abroad. His collection, now exceeding 4,000 bricks, has grown so substantially that his garden shed in Jedburgh, Borders, has had to be extended to accommodate the vast array of bricks on multiple shelves akin to a library setup.
Despite his impressive collection, Mark is now seeking a permanent home for his bricks and envisions them being displayed in a museum setting. He expressed his desire to share the unique stories behind each brick, highlighting their individual characters and historical significance. Mark plans to include additional brick-related items and tools in the museum to provide a comprehensive experience for visitors.
Among the remarkable bricks in his possession is a special fire brick salvaged from the SS Politician, famous for inspiring the novel ‘Whisky Galore,’ as well as a brick from the execution block of Glasgow’s HMP Barlinnie. Mark’s collection also features a Scottish-made brick recovered from a gold mine in the USA and the oldest brick dating back to 1833.
While acknowledging the emotional attachment he has developed towards his collection, Mark expressed his willingness to let go for the greater good of preserving and sharing the history behind these unique bricks. Collaborating with fellow enthusiast Ian Suddaby, who also boasts a substantial brick collection, the duo aims to establish a museum, ideally in Jedburgh despite anticipated challenges related to space and funding.
With around 75% of his collection obtained through personal endeavours and the remaining 25% from generous donations, brick collecting has become a family affair for Mark, involving his wife and children. As he continues his quest to find a suitable home for his bricks, Mark remains open to support from individuals interested in contributing to his ambitious museum project.
In conclusion, Mark Cranston’s passion for bricks transcends mere collection as it intertwines history, storytelling, and community engagement. Through his dedication, he not only showcases the industrial heritage encapsulated in each brick but also emphasises the importance of sharing these treasures for future generations to appreciate and learn from.