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HANDMADE C L AY

R O O F S I N C E

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T I L E S

MERCHANT GUIDE Handmade from the famous Keymer South Wealden Clay, providing distinctive clay roofs to Britain for generations, each Keymer tile provides a unique finish that is guaranteed to set your roof apart. To help you feel closer to this heritage every roof owner has the option to visit the home of Keymer to see our craftsmen at work and hand make your own tile. You will also collect the certificate of authenticity, making your roof a living part of the history of the brand and Britainâ€™s building heritage. For the true handmade option, there is truly only one choice.

Welcome to Keymer

BES 14 01 - VERY G OOD RATI N G 01

Keymer

B E S 6 00 1 - VERY G O O D R AT IN G

B ES 9 0 0 1 - VERY G O O D R ATIN G

CONTENTS Our History

01 - 02

Discover Keymer

03 - 04

Keymer Tile Range At A Glance

05 - 06

Case Studies

07 - 08

Peg Tiles

09 -

Traditional

11 - 12

Shire

13 - 14

Goxh ill

15 - 16

Goxh ill Fittings

Fittings

19 - 20

Traditional Ornaments

Finials

23 - 24

Heritage Service

25 -

Notes

29 - 32

Keymer

Our History

OUR HISTORY 1588 HISTORY IN THE MAKING One of the oldest, most established industries in Burgess Hill, Keymer Brick & Tile Company evolved from the former Ditchling Potteries, a collection of various works including Dunstalls Farm owned by John Billinghurst, John Palmer and John Pomfrey - a renowned brick maker in Keymer in 1588.

“In the late 1800s, it’s reported that the works were the largest in the South and employed over 300 people” When the Ditchling Common site was sold, having exhausted its supply of clay, production was moved to Nye Road over a period of 80 years between 1860 and 1940. The factory and clay pit are still situated here and cover an area of approximately 50 acres. In the late 1800s, it’s reported that the works were the largest in the South and employed over 300 people. At the turn of the century, it was famous for the manufacture of red terracotta ware - winning awards in London in 1862 and Philadelphia in 1876. This bespoke product was used throughout the British Isles and, largely due to its early success, was re-introduced by the moderndayKeymer in the 1990s.

18001900’S AN EVOLVING CRAFT Back in the 1800s, the site had many tall brick chimneys, which belched smoke from time to time - have since been demolished in line with the ‘Clean Air Act.’ Coal was used for the drying and firing of products, and was regularly delivered to the site. Finished products were also dispatched by rail via Keymer’s own siding, adjacent to the LewesEastbourne train line. Since the closure of the railway sidings, during Dr Beeching’s time, Keymer now uses Natural Gas to dry and fire tiles.

“From 1939 to 1945, the tile manufacturing works were completely closed down. Buildings and kilns were used by the Admiralty for storage purposes, and played a major part in the ‘D-Day’ landings” In the early days, a considerable number of Keymer employees also lived in cottages on site. Further cottages were built in Cants Lane - which have now been demolished - that housed brick making tables on the ground floor with living quarters upstairs. These were commonly known as birdcages. From 1939 to 1945, the tile manufacturing works were completely closed down. Buildings and kilns were used by the Admiralty for storage purposes, and played a major part in the ‘D-Day’ landings. Then, in 1946, a considerable investment was made to introduce new clay preparation machinery whilst ensuring that traditional methods were maintained.

19002000’S A NEW ERA Since 1969, the Company has been subject to take-overs including the ‘Cavenham’ empire when Sir James Goldsmith was Chairman. Keymer is now owned by a Trust set up by Neil Wates (deceased), who acquired the business in 1980. Due to dramatic fluctuations in the demand for bricks during the early 1970s, a decision was made to stop brick manufacturing and concentrate on the production of handmade clay roofing tiles. In 1978, architects and planners were concentrating more on the conservation and preservation of all types of buildings; this attitude gave new life to the company and resulted in the increased production of

“Keymer, the premium handmade roof tile brand, is now owned by Wienerberger, the leading supplier of wall, roof and landscaping innovations”

roofing tiles and fittings. In 1981, the very latest micro-processor controlled kilns were installed to reduce fuel consumption and provide better working conditions whilst still retaining the traditional production methods. Recession in the construction industry during the 1990s led to a decline in the home market and a reduction in the production of tiles. Keymer, the premium handmade roof tile brand, is now owned by Wienerberger, the leading supplier of wall, roof and landscaping innovations. Renowned as one of the world’s oldest operational roofing manufacturers, made its fourth move in its 400 year history and was re-launched from its new home at Wienerberger’s factory in Ewhurst, Surrey in 2015. Situated in the plain tile heartland and 20 minutes from the original site, Keymer’s handmade clay tiles will continue to be produced using the orange clays of the South Weald and the same traditional equipment and processes at it’s new home. The company has invested heavily to ensure the handmade manufacturing process is retained, meaning that all Keymer products will boast the quality and performance they have become famous for.

TO DAY IN SAFE HANDS Keymer still uses Wealden clay native to the area and many of the traditional craft skills, have been passed down from maker to maker through the generations. Demand and production for Keymer’s handmade clay roof tiles have shown a steady increase in recent years. Now dispatched throughout the British Isles, used on roofs from cottages to castles, supermarkets to town centres; also export to the Continent, America and lately even Russia and Japan.

“used on roofs from cottages to castles, supermarkets to town centres” Keymer continue to invest in up-to-date techniques to strengthen commitment to fuel efficiency and a safe working environment - and, at the same time, to manufacture the finest genuine hand made clay roofing products.

Our History

Discover Keymer

DISCOVER KEYMER The Keymer range has been born over many generations, defined by time and mastered by hand. The character of the product is inherent within every Keymer tile which ages beautifully and naturally over time. From the period Peg Tile, to the standard handmade brown Goxhill Range, you are guaranteed to find a colour or texture bespoke to your project.

Discover Keymer

K E Y M E R T I L E R A N G E AT A G L A N C E

PEG TILES

Weat h er ed ( Co u nt y)

A nt i q u e ( K e nt )

TRADITIONAL

Weal den Re d

E l i z a b et h a n

A nt i q u e

Heritage

D ow n s R e d

Dark Red

Dark Chestnut

SHIRE

Priory

GOXHILL

Au t u m n B row n

Keymer Tile Range At A Glance

Our artisan approach has ensured Keymer is history in the making

Keymer Tile Range At A Glance

Case Studies

PEG TILES 09

Peg Tiles

SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE TRUST S T R AT F O R D U P O N AVO N

County Peg - Weathered Our County peg tiles are innovative in design. They are created for renovation use, with three nail holes and one nib, to make fitting easier and less disruptive. These tiles are the ideal choice for the refurbishment of older peg tiled buildings or for use on oast houses.

Kent Peg - Antique Our Kent peg tiles are Britain’s best peg tiles, handmade by craftsmen using the company’s rich Wealdon Clay. They are better and more cost effective than using second hand tiles which can quickly deteriorate once stripped off and re-used.

P EG T I L E - T ECHNI CA L I NF ORMAT I O N

Cou nty Ke nt Sing le N ib

N ibles s

Nominal size

250x150mm

Colours available

Weathered

Antique

Minimum pitch

40º

Gauge

95mm 95mm

Coverage

70/sq.m 70/sq.m

Weight at max. gauge

79kg/sq.m

79/sq.m

Weight per 1,000

1,130kg

Weight per 1,000 eaves

822kg

Weight per 1,000 gables

1,650kg

Average quantity per pallet

830 tiles

Average weight per pallet

938kg

Peg Tiles

TRADITIONAL 29 11

Ridges 1

Traditional

LEEDS CASTLE KENT

Keymer Traditional Tiles are traditional to look at, but innovative in design. They are created for renovation use. These tiles are the ideal choice for the refurbishment of older peg tiled roofs and elevations or for use on oast houses.

T RA D I T I ONA L HA ND MA D E CL AY T I LE T ECHNI CA L I NF ORMAT I ON Tra d i t i o na l tiles

Nominal size 265x165mm Colours available Wealden red Antique Elizabethan Minimum pitch

40ยบ

Gauge 100mm Coverage 60/sq.m Weight at max. gauge

76kg/sq.m

Weight per 1,000

1,270kg

Weight per 1,000 eaves

969kg

Weight per 1,000 gables

1,880kg

Average quantity per pallet

830 tiles

Average weight per pallet

1,054kg

Traditional

SHIRE 29 13

Ridges 1 Shire

BEWLEY HOMES SOUTH WARNBOROUGH

Keymer Shire Tiles A Genuine handmade British made clay tile that offers a serious alternative to the traditional style of clay roof tiles. Produced in three colours, every tile weathers naturally to look better and improve with every passing year.

SHIRE TILE - TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Sh ire

Nominal size

265x165mm

Colours available Downs Red Heritage Priory Gauge 100mm Coverage 60/sq.m Weight at max. gauge

66/sq.m

Weight per 1,000

1,100kg

Quantity per pallet

860

Weight per pallet

990kg

Recommended minimum pitch

40ยบ

Shire

GOXHILL 29 15

Ridges 1 Goxhill

VA L L E Y WAY GERRARDS CROSS

Keymer Goxhill Tiles The Keymer Goxhill range of tiles, is one of the finest and most distinctive roof coverings available, this handmade plain tile gives a rich textured roofscape that will become more and more attractive with age.

GOXHI L L T I L E - T ECHNI CA L I NF ORMAT I ON

Roof V e r t i ca l Nominal size

265x165mm

Colours available

Autumn brown Dark red Dark chestnut

Minimum roof pitch*

40ยบ

75ยบ

Headlap (minimum)

65mm

38mm

Gauge coverage

100mm

114mm

Weight at max. gauge

79kg/sq.m

79 sq.m

Weight per 1000

1.2 tonnes

Weight per tile

1.25kg

Quantity per pallet

530

Goxhill

GOXHILL FITTINGS 29 17

Ridges 1 Goxhill Fittings

P R I VAT E H O U S E BARONSMEAD

*Also available in: Baby Ridge, InvisiVent, Valley Tile, Arris Hip, Half Round Concealed Air Vent Ridge 457mm

Goxhill Fittings

FITTINGS 29 19

Ridges 1 Fittings

Keymer Fittings

SPECIAL RIDGE TILES

VENT TILES

VALLEY TILES

HIP TILES

RIDGE TILES

PEG TILES

PLAIN TILES

Keymer manufacture the largest range of handmade clay fittings you’ll find. The true skill of the Keymer master tile maker is well displayed, from the valley to the ridge. Using Keymer’s own Wealden clay, these fittings are not only the natural choice in conservation areas but also add character and value to any new building too.

*Only apply to Traditional, Shire and Peg tiles

Fittings

*GINGERBREAD B e s p o k e Ti l e

TRADITIONAL ORNAMENTS 29 21

Ridges 1 Traditional Ornaments

MELLOW FARM SURREY

Keymer Handmade Clay Ornamental Tiles Since handmade clay tiles first went into production, their makers recognised that special design could set a roof or clad wall apart from the rest - enhancing the building in looks as well as worth. To ensure compatibility with all Keymer products, the range of ornamental tiles can be made to order in all the standard colours.

Keymer can also make ornamental tiles to individual specification - whether for matching or to realise an original concept. Because all these products have the same renowned Keymer weathering properties, they soon blend in with existing materials for renovation work - looking better and lasting longer.

TRA DITIONAL HANDMADE CLAY T I L E - T ECHNI CA L I NF ORMAT I ON

Club

A r row

Point

B ull No se

Nominal size

265x165mm 265x165mm 265x165mm 265x165mm

Coverage

53/sq.m 53/sq.m 53/sq.m 53/sq.m

Weight per 1,000

1,100kg

Average Weight per pallet

943kg

Average quantity per pallet

830 tiles

Traditional Ornaments

FINIALS 23

Finials

BESPOKE FINIALS MADE TO ORDER

Our expertise means that anything can be made in clay to suit the needs of any project, whether to match an authentic piece or fulfil a new specification. Each item is individually made by hand using Wealden clay from Keymerâ€™s own sources. Finials

HERITAGE SERVICE KEYMER HERITAGE SERVICE IS A SPECIALIST CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION SERVICE THAT CREATES BESPOKE HANDMADE ROOF TILES AND FITTINGS

Heritage Service

C H A R LT O N FA R M BRISTOL

There is a growing demand for highly trained craftsmen who understand the wide range of skills and methods used in conservation projects. Companies such as Keymer play a valuable part in the programme, allowing students to see the techniques being used in a real working environment... Heritage Service

Part of the charm of our build heritage stems from the wide diversity of roof coverings adorning our historic buildings...

From cottages and barns to stately homes, many of our older buildings offer a profusion of detail that, today, would be deemed an architectural luxury. Over the centuries, the use of roofing material has varied from place to place, with a diversity determined by local geography and material availability. One of the most enduring and appealing of these materials was natural clay; which became desirable for its mellow appearance and weathering properties. Its popularity as a roof covering was enhanced by its unique ability to be pressed into a multitude of shapes and designs. This enabled past designers to create an endless landscape of decorative roofs through the inclusion of ornate finials, ridges and hips. Builders in the 17â€“19th centuries in particular placed great emphasis on appearance and detail and strove to add character to their work. Family homes that would be passed down through generations were often constructed to include bespoke features that reflected the occupantsâ€™ tastes or even personal wealth. Individuality within a style in keeping with the overall local vernacular was of paramount importance.

Heritage Service

WELL COURT EDINBURGH

Heritage Service

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For further information please contact the Keymer sales office on:

01444 232 931 01

Keymer

info@keymer.co.uk