In 1897, just as the first Bursledon Brick Company bricks rolled off the production line at the brand-new Lower Swanwick factory (now our stunning museum), the country celebrated Queen Victoria’s diamond Jubilee. Amongst the bunting and biscuits, knick knacks and trinkets used to celebrate the event, were these – Staffordshire Blue Engineering bricks marked to commemorate the occasion.

 

Engineering bricks are fired at a higher temperature than their bright red brothers and sisters, leading to their distinctive deep blue colour. They are harder, stronger and less porous to water than a regular brick, and were commonly used in the construction of the marvels of Victorian England – the bridges and tunnels of railways and canals, as well as in factories, platforms and sidings.

There is something special about the blue ones as their strength, dependability and steadfastness reflects how the Victorians viewed their queen.  This trend continued with blue (and traditional red) bricks commemorating other, later Royal events.

Our new temporary display Royal Connections (pictured) brings together the Royal Bricks in our collection in honour of the Platinum Jubilee.