building materials Colchester Archives

“Helping to build the future”

We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Colchester Institute Wood Occupations Department. Our first delivery of MDF and sawn timber marks the beginning of a valuable partnership that aims to nurture the next generation of skilled woodworkers and carpenters in Colchester and the surrounding areas.

Chris from Colchester Institute commented: “Collier & Catchpole have made a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of budding woodworkers and carpenters.

Their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering craftsmanship is truly commendable! With their support. We can provide our apprentices with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel in their craft.

Thank you Collier & Catchpole, for believing in our mission and investing in the next generation of woodworkers. Your partnership is a shining example of corporate social responsibility and community empowerment.”

We believe that investing in woodworking education not only empowers students but also helps build a skilled workforce for the future.

Our partnership sign has now been installed at Colchester Institute above the doors of the new woodworking suite. We would like to thank Hardwood Signs for their 10/10 craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail.

“Thanks to Collier & Catchpole for sponsoring our new apprenticeship suite. The partnership has allowed for the Level 2 Year 2 Site Carpenter and Joiners to build 2 bungalows inside our new workshop space” – Chris Coe, M.E

Supporting the development of skilled trades is not just about providing materials—it’s about ensuring a strong foundation for the future of construction in our region. Together with Colchester Institute, we are committed to creating opportunities for students to hone their skills and contribute to the local economy.

Thank you to the team at Colchester Institute, so much to look forward to. Let’s build the future together!

Our range of timber products and building materials is available for both delivery and collection from our Colchester, Ipswich, and Lawford branches. Whether you’re working on a self-build, home improvement, or a commercial project, we have everything you need to get the job done.

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.

Tag: building materials Colchester

Exploring the Historic W H Collier Site: A Legacy of Brickmaking