W H Collier Ltd has been a cornerstone of brickmaking in Essex, producing high-quality, hand-thrown bricks that continue to grace homes, heritage sites, and modern developments across Colchester and beyond.
We recently took a nostalgic tour of their vintage brickworks, a site rich in history and craftsmanship, a place we once called home.
A Journey from Reading to Stanway: The Birth of W H Collier Ltd
The story of W H Collier Ltd begins in 1880, when William Holman Collier decided to branch out from the family brickmaking business, S & E Collier, which had been established in Reading in the early 1800s.
William, along with his wife Jessie, made the significant move to Stanway, Essex – a journey of approximately 110 miles by steam train at the time.
Once in Stanway, they discovered The Marks Tey Brickworks, a site previously owned by Mr. Wagstaff, a local farmer who had been using the natural clay and sand on his land to produce bricks. Sensing an opportunity, the Colliers acquired the brickworks and immediately set about expanding production.
Their investment not only grew the business but also provided the local community with alternative employment, moving away from the dominant industries of farming and railways.
W H Collier Ltd quickly became known for their meticulous craftsmanship. Each brick hand-thrown using clay from their own quarry, a tradition that has continued through the generations.
Today, W H Collier Ltd is still a thriving business, known for producing bricks with a level of detail and artistry that no machine can replicate. The company remained part of the Collier family until 1988.
A team of eight continues the tradition of brickmaking at W H Collier producing over 250,000 bricks every year.
“Our bricks are used in projects ranging from the most prestigious new-build developments to sensitive heritage restorations and self-build projects. Beauty no machine can match. Every brick is hand-thrown using clay from our own quarry.” – W. H Collier
The company’s dedication to traditional techniques ensures that each brick they produce is a piece of history, perfect for any building project that values authenticity and beauty. As W H Collier Ltd puts it: “Beauty no machine can match.“
From Marks Tey to the wider Essex area, W H Collier bricks can be found in countless projects, adding timeless character to homes, public buildings, and historical restorations.